Expert for using latest tech to get quality jute output

RANGPUR, Apr 19 (BSS): Experts at a day-long training workshop have stressed the need for adopting the latest technologies to get maximum production of high yielding local variety jute, jute seed and upgraded quality of the fibre.
They also called for encouraging the farmers for adoption of the latest and low-cost ribbon retting methods for rotting and separation of the fibre from harvested jute plants to get maximum benefits.
They made the observations while addressing the concluding ceremony of the workshop on 'Production of high yielding local variety Jute, jute seed and improved retting technology' project arranged on Saturday at the Farmers' Training Centre in Pirganj Upazila town here.
The Directorate of Jute under the Ministry of Jute and Textiles in association with Upazila Jute Department and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) organised the workshop for 100 selected farmers to educate them on the latest technologies.
Pirganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer ATM Ziaul Islam attended the workshop as the chief guest with Chief Officer of the Directorate of Jute for Rangpur Region Barjahan Ali in the chair.
Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture Extension Zulfiquer Haider, Upazila Agriculture Officer Samir Chandra Ghosh, Senior Scientific Officer of BJRI Dr Abul Fazal Mollah, Evaluation Officer of the Directorate of Jute Aminul Islam and Upazila Jute Development Officer Dilip kumar Malakar conducted different sessions at the workshop.
The speakers said that multidimensional use of jute products has been increasing following adverse effects of synthetic fibre on environment throughout the world ushering a new hope for revival of the past glory of the 'golden' fibre.
The experts discussed various traditional and low-cost retting ways including ribbon retting of the fibre during droughts or water scarcity in only nine days to improve quality and grade of 'jute-kenaf-mesta fibre' to ensure better market prices.
Demand for jute has been increasing faster globally as the fibre is being used as construction materials for earthquake surviving houses, embankments, geo-textiles and bodies of cars. Bangladesh can meet its growing global demand, they said.
Putting special emphasis on achieving self-reliance on locally produced quality jute seed, the chief guest laid emphasis on increased farming of high yielding local variety jute and jute seed adopting latest technologies to increase production of the quality fibre.