With reference to the process of "Retting" (implied in Jute processing), consider the following statements: 1. It involves immersing stems in water. 2. It prevents the stems from rotting. 3. It helps in the separation of fibres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Retting is a biological process employed in the processing of bast fibres like jute, flax, and hemp. It relies on the action of moisture and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to dissolve the cellular tissues and gummy substances (primarily pectin) that bind the fibre bundles to the stem. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: The most common method of retting involves bundling the harvested jute stems and immersing them in slow-running or stagnant water (such as ponds or tanks) for a specific period (usually 8 to 30 days). This provides the necessary moisture and environment for microbial action. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Retting does not prevent rotting; rather, it is a process of controlled rotting or fermentation. The microorganisms decompose the soft tissues and pectin surrounding the fibres. If the stems did not undergo this partial decomposition, the fibres would remain stuck to the woody core. However, care is taken to stop the process before the fibres themselves rot. - Statement 3 is Correct: The primary objective of retting is to loosen the bond between the fibre bundles and the inner woody core (stick). Once the pectin is dissolved, the fibres can be easily separated and extracted from the stem through washing and stripping. Key Takeaway Retting is a microbial fermentation process that utilizes water and bacteria to decompose the pectin binding agents in plant stems, facilitating the extraction of commercial fibres like jute.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 1: Fibre to fabric

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With reference to the process of "Retting" (implied in Jute processing), consider the following statements:

It involves immersing stems in water.
It prevents the stems from rotting.
It helps in the separation of fibres.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Retting is a biological process employed in the processing of bast fibres like jute, flax, and hemp. It relies on the action of moisture and microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) to dissolve the cellular tissues and gummy substances (primarily pectin) that bind the fibre bundles to the stem.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The most common method of retting involves bundling the harvested jute stems and immersing them in slow-running or stagnant water (such as ponds or tanks) for a specific period (usually 8 to 30 days). This provides the necessary moisture and environment for microbial action.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Retting does not prevent rotting; rather, it is a process of controlled rotting or fermentation. The microorganisms decompose the soft tissues and pectin surrounding the fibres. If the stems did not undergo this partial decomposition, the fibres would remain stuck to the woody core. However, care is taken to stop the process before the fibres themselves rot.
Statement 3 is Correct: The primary objective of retting is to loosen the bond between the fibre bundles and the inner woody core (stick). Once the pectin is dissolved, the fibres can be easily separated and extracted from the stem through washing and stripping.

Key Takeaway

Retting is a microbial fermentation process that utilizes water and bacteria to decompose the pectin binding agents in plant stems, facilitating the extraction of commercial fibres like jute.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Fibre to fabric

Consider the following statements regarding the cultivation of cotton: 1. Cotton plants are usually grown in places having black soil. 2. A cold climate is most suitable for the growth of cotton plants. 3. The seeds of the cotton plant are technically referred to as cotton bolls. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the processing of cotton, consider the following statements: 1. Ginning is the process of separating fibres from the seeds by combing. 2. Ginning can only be done by machines and not by hand. 3. The cotton bolls burst open after maturing to reveal seeds covered with fibres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Jute plant: 1. Jute fibre is obtained from the leaves of the jute plant. 2. It is cultivated primarily during the rainy season. 3. In India, it is mainly grown in West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the harvesting and processing of Jute, consider the following statements: 1. The jute plant is normally harvested when it is at the flowering stage. 2. The stems of harvested plants are dried in the sun immediately to separate fibres. 3. The fibres are separated from the rotted stems exclusively by mechanical threshers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the process of Spinning: 1. It is the process of making yarn from fibres. 2. During this process, fibres are simply glued together without any twisting. 3. Spinning of yarn on a large scale is done with the help of spinning machines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: The most common method of retting involves bundling the harvested jute stems and immersing them in slow-running or stagnant water (such as ponds or tanks) for a specific period (usually 8 to 30 days). This provides the necessary moisture and environment for microbial action.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Retting does not prevent rotting; rather, it is a process of controlled rotting or fermentation. The microorganisms decompose the soft tissues and pectin surrounding the fibres. If the stems did not undergo this partial decomposition, the fibres would remain stuck to the woody core. However, care is taken to stop the process before the fibres themselves rot.
Statement 3 is Correct: The primary objective of retting is to loosen the bond between the fibre bundles and the inner woody core (stick). Once the pectin is dissolved, the fibres can be easily separated and extracted from the stem through washing and stripping.

Key Takeaway

Retting is a microbial fermentation process that utilizes water and bacteria to decompose the pectin binding agents in plant stems, facilitating the extraction of commercial fibres like jute.