Jute Gradation

Jute gradation is done after the extraction process, usually done by Kutcha balers. The various grades given to jute are like :

Top :
This represents very strong fibers, good color and luster.
Middle :
This signifies strong fibers having average luster and color.
Bottom :
This represents sound fibers having medium strength.
B-Bottom :
This signifies sound fibers having medium strength but not appropriate for high grades.
C- Bottom :
This signifies fibers of any color having medium strength.
X- Bottom :
This represents weakest jute fiber.

Further, on the basis of strength, length, fineness, luster and color, raw jute is distinguished for manufacturing jute products and trading.

Variety of jutes & their grades

Commonly, jute is grown in four varieties as Tossa, White, Mesta and Bimli. Depending upon the grading process, each category is further classified on a scale of 1 to 8, where 1 means the best grade and 8 worst. Among these varieties, the production of Tossa fiber is around 78% i.e the highest and of the white jute, it is around 10%.

Type of Jute Grades
White jute

 W-1, W-2, W-3, W-4, W-5, W-6, W-7, W-8.
Tossa jute

 TD-1, TD-2, TD-3, TD-4, TD-5, TD-6, TD-7, TD-8
Mesta jute

 M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-6

Also, gradation of jute as per region wise are like :

Region Gradation
Assam

 Assam -1 to Assam – 8
Jungli

 Jungli - 1 to Jungli – 8
Bimali

 Bimali -1 to Bimali - 8

Basis of grading
Some factors which are essential while selecting different grades of jute are :

  • Qualities such as smoothness, distinctness, softness, uniformity
  • Length, color, luster, weight and strength
  • Degree of faults like bark, roots, sticks, specks, knots, runners, watermarks
  • Proportion of hard centered fiber, harsh crop ends and cutting

Factors affecting gradation of jute

  • Nature of soil, water, rainfall, humidity and topography
  • Quality varies from season to season and place to place
  • Different practices followed while growing of jute and methods used in retting extraction of fiber, washing, drying and storage