Question

Which of the following is also known as golden fibre?

• A. Cotton
• B. Silk
• C. Jute
• D. Flax

Hint:

Jute is a bast fibre, meaning it is obtained from the phloem (inner bark) of the plant stem through a process called retting.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Many agricultural products have descriptive nicknames based on their appearance, utility, or economic value. The "Golden Fibre" is one of the most famous monikers in the textile industry.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Jute (Corchorus spp.) is referred to as the Golden Fibre for two main reasons:
1. Physical Appearance: The extracted bast fibres have a distinct natural yellowish-brown or golden silky shine.
2. Economic Importance: It is a very high-value cash crop, especially in South Asian countries like India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh. It is the second most important vegetable fibre after cotton in terms of usage, production, and global consumption. Jute is biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly, used for making sacks, rugs, and twine.
In contrast:
- Cotton is known as "White Gold."
- Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms, often called the "Queen of Fibres."
- Flax is used to produce linen but is not associated with the "golden" nickname.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Jute is the crop referred to as the golden fibre. Option 3 is correct.