Several methods are used for retting flax. There are two types of retting&colon; stem and ribbon. In recent years JCI is engaged in promoting alternate jute retting technologies viz. This form of retting also produces quite an odor. The fibers are first extracted by retting. The plants are left in the field for field retting. After the retting process, stripping begins; women and children usually do this job. Flax requires retting and dressing, while wool requires carding and washing. Modern buntal fibers however, can also be extracted via the easier method of retting. The farmers turn over the straw during retting to evenly rett the stalks. Fishing, coconut husk retting for coir production and inland navigation services are the prominent businesses. Natural retting methods take place in tanks and pools, or directly in the fields. After retting, the stalks are ready for scutching, which takes place between August and December.