MoU Signed to Boost Jute & Natural Fibre Cultivation in Nagaland

Current Context: On 26 Sept 2025, a four‑party MoU was signed in Kohima between the National Jute Board (NJB), Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI), ICAR‑Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (ICAR‑CRIJAF), and the Nagaland Government.

• The 5‑year pact (2025–31) aims to expand jute cultivation and pilot flax, ramie, and sisal as alternative fibres.
• NJB will provide technical & financial support, JCI will ensure procurement and price stability, and ICAR‑CRIJAF will supply R&D and seed varieties.
• The Nagaland Agriculture Department will identify land and farmers, with training beginning Nov 2025.
• The initiative targets 7–8 districts by 2026, offering farmers eco‑friendly cash crops and higher incomes.

Question:

Q.1 On 26 September 2025, a four-party MoU was signed in Kohima to promote jute and allied fibres. Which of the following was NOT a signatory?
a) National Jute Board (NJB)
b) Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI)
c) ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (ICAR-CRIJAF)
d) Food Corporation of India (FCI)

Answer: d) The MoU involved NJB, JCI, ICAR-CRIJAF, and Nagaland Government. FCI is unrelated.