India's Resources for Paper Making

It looks like a paradox when development of paper industry in the world is reviewed. Countries where there are no facilities are rapidly advancing in paper manufacture. The most important country, where first class papers are manufactured, is United Kingdom. With no raw material in the country and not plentiful supply of water, Scotland can boast of the best types of papers made in the World. Esparto grass which is the best raw material for writings and printings is imported from Morrocco. The River Dee and the River Don are the important sources of water and they are generally frozen and steam pipes play for nearly half the day to keep water melted for pumping. Labour charges are very high when compared with India. Inspite of these drawbacks of supply of raw materials, of frozen waters, high labour charges, paper manufactured is the best, well packed in damp-proof cases and despatched to India through their London Warehouses and costly establishments in India. These papers are sold in India at rates nearly 60% of the rate at which India is straining to manufacture paper with all facilities available at hand.