Making of Jute Products, Andhra Pradesh
Crops are sown early, specifically in the flood-prone lowlands through June or just before the anticipated flood. On mid and upland, harvesting is being done between July and September according to the farmer's crop and convenience age. Harvesting of jute plant must be finished on the same day it is started to avoid the difference in the time lag between harvesting and steeping would be reflected in unequal retting. A group of laborers is required for cutting, sorting, and bundling, generally, a minimum of ten persons per one-third of acre crop. With the help of ‘hasua’ (a sharp sickle-like implement), harvesting is done by cutting the plants close to the roots. These plants are left on the ground for leaves to fall off the steam. As harvesting proceeds, a separate cluster of workers simultaneously sorts thick and thin plants into two groups. Its retting process is done separately, as thin plants ret earlier than thick ones. Sorted plants are stacked on the field for three days for defoliation and desiccation, making plants lighter. Retting is one of the most important factors governing the quality of fiber. Precise retting helps to improve the genetic class of variety as well as the crop management skill, while faulty retting can spoil the variety, stable fertilizer, appropriate spacing, etc.
