President calls for concerted effort by stakeholders to develop the jute sector
Updated: Aug 02, 2014 03:35:07pm
Kolkata, Aug 2 (KNN) Raising concern over the lack of growth orientation in the jute industry during the last few decades, President Pranab Mukherjee said that a "concerted effort by all stakeholders is necessary to develop the jute sector".
While speaking at the conference of National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre, he stressed upon the need to use jute as a preferred choice in packaging of food grains and sugar. He also said that steps must be taken to cut down its cost of production.
"Jute is compatible with the requirements of a clean environment. It is pertinent that it continues to be the preferred choice as a packaging material for food grains and sugar. However, steps are required to be taken to cut down its cost of production," Mukherjee said.
Calling for serious attempts “to transform the image of jute products from cheap-packaging material to value-added products suitable for diversified end uses”, Mukherjee said the global concern for environment had “opened a window of opportunity for enhanced use of jute”.
“Unfortunately, there has been a lack of growth orientation in the jute industry during the last few decades. In the face of stiff competition from substitutes, mainly synthetics, it has gradually lost its prime position as a packaging material,” he said.
A host of reasons have led to the disquieting trends in this industry. Absence of up-gradation and modernization; over dependence on Government’s order for mandatory use of sacking bags; stagnant productivity levels; limited scope for value-addition of sacking and hessian; seasonal fluctuations in supply and price of raw jute; gradual decline in production of raw jute of superior grades; imbalance in price structure of jute goods, and inadequate demand at international level have adversely affected the jute sector, he added.
“The coming-together of different stakeholders associated with natural fibres will help identify the scope and strategy for purposeful utilisation of our natural fibre resources,” Mukherjee added.
“The National Fibre Policy 2010 aims at transforming the jute sector from a traditional labour-intensive industry to a self-reliant modern industry with state-of-the-art technology and wider product range. The Jute Technology Mission is expected to help the growth of jute-diversified products, especially in the export market,” he said.
Referring to product innovations such as manufacture of jute-based shopping bags, footwear and handicrafts, the President said a large manufacturing base for these items could be established in the eastern region as well as in other parts of the country.
“It will help generate employment, particularly in rural areas,” he added. The President also pointed out that jute agriculture in general and post-harvest technology in particular needs special attention in terms of technology support and extension activities.
“…jute is gradually making in-roads in some areas of Technical Textiles, including geo-textiles and composites. In the field of construction, geo-textiles have established their merit in combating geo-technical problems. Jute has to find its rightful place in this growing field.
“For that, we must have the technical and manufacturing wherewithal to make varied geo-jute products that can find good market within the country and abroad,” he said.
He also spoke about the natural fibres allied to jute like Ramie, Coir, Sisal, Banana fibre and Pineapple fibre available in the country holding immense potential in manufacturing useful products.
“What is required is the judicious development of appropriate process technologies. This will pave the way for economic benefits to accrue to farmers and small entrepreneurs dealing with these fibres,” he said. (KNN/SD)
While speaking at the conference of National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre, he stressed upon the need to use jute as a preferred choice in packaging of food grains and sugar. He also said that steps must be taken to cut down its cost of production.
"Jute is compatible with the requirements of a clean environment. It is pertinent that it continues to be the preferred choice as a packaging material for food grains and sugar. However, steps are required to be taken to cut down its cost of production," Mukherjee said.
Calling for serious attempts “to transform the image of jute products from cheap-packaging material to value-added products suitable for diversified end uses”, Mukherjee said the global concern for environment had “opened a window of opportunity for enhanced use of jute”.
“Unfortunately, there has been a lack of growth orientation in the jute industry during the last few decades. In the face of stiff competition from substitutes, mainly synthetics, it has gradually lost its prime position as a packaging material,” he said.
A host of reasons have led to the disquieting trends in this industry. Absence of up-gradation and modernization; over dependence on Government’s order for mandatory use of sacking bags; stagnant productivity levels; limited scope for value-addition of sacking and hessian; seasonal fluctuations in supply and price of raw jute; gradual decline in production of raw jute of superior grades; imbalance in price structure of jute goods, and inadequate demand at international level have adversely affected the jute sector, he added.
“The coming-together of different stakeholders associated with natural fibres will help identify the scope and strategy for purposeful utilisation of our natural fibre resources,” Mukherjee added.
“The National Fibre Policy 2010 aims at transforming the jute sector from a traditional labour-intensive industry to a self-reliant modern industry with state-of-the-art technology and wider product range. The Jute Technology Mission is expected to help the growth of jute-diversified products, especially in the export market,” he said.
Referring to product innovations such as manufacture of jute-based shopping bags, footwear and handicrafts, the President said a large manufacturing base for these items could be established in the eastern region as well as in other parts of the country.
“It will help generate employment, particularly in rural areas,” he added. The President also pointed out that jute agriculture in general and post-harvest technology in particular needs special attention in terms of technology support and extension activities.
“…jute is gradually making in-roads in some areas of Technical Textiles, including geo-textiles and composites. In the field of construction, geo-textiles have established their merit in combating geo-technical problems. Jute has to find its rightful place in this growing field.
“For that, we must have the technical and manufacturing wherewithal to make varied geo-jute products that can find good market within the country and abroad,” he said.
He also spoke about the natural fibres allied to jute like Ramie, Coir, Sisal, Banana fibre and Pineapple fibre available in the country holding immense potential in manufacturing useful products.
“What is required is the judicious development of appropriate process technologies. This will pave the way for economic benefits to accrue to farmers and small entrepreneurs dealing with these fibres,” he said. (KNN/SD)
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