New Delhi, Jan 8 (KNN) Union Textiles Minister advised jute industry to reduce its dependence on government orders and go for product diversification.

She made the above remarks at ‘Artisan Speak and Jute Expo’, at the recently restored 185-year-old heritage currency building in Kolkata.

Inaugurating the expo, Irani said “There has been steady improvement in the health of the domestic jute industry.”

Exports of diversified jute products have grown nearly 24 per cent since 2014, said Irani on the sidelines of ‘Artisan Speak & Jute Expo’, a textiles outreach initiative of her ministry which will be held here from January 7-10.

She suggested the jute industry to reduce its dependence on government orders and go for product diversification, which would in turn boost exports.

“I would request the jute industry to take into consideration the welfare of farmers and workers. Whenever the industry gets any packaging order from the centre they should pay the farmers and workers first,” she added.

As many as 3.7 lakh mill workers are directly employed by the jute industry apart from several lakh farmers who are a part of the sector.

The four-day ‘Artisan Speak and Jute Expo’ will have delegates from 14 nations. More than 70 buyers are participating in the programme.

According to Textiles Secretary Raghvendra Singh, the Centre has been trying to find ways and means to enhance the income of weavers and to connect them to garments manufacturers to increase their margins.