Experts at a discussion here have stressed adoption of semi-automated jute fibre extraction machines and low-cost retting technologies to get high quality of fibre necessary for producing updated jute products.
They came up with the opinion at a discussion arranged on the occasion of distributing 15 new jute fibre extraction machines among 30 entrepreneur male and female farmers at Begum Rokeya auditorium here on Monday afternoon.
Practical Action Bangladesh (PAB) organised the event followed by distribution of machines among trained entrepreneurs, who are also members of union level federations of RDRS Bangladesh, of Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha districts.
PAB distributed the machines under its “Securing Employment and Economic Development around Jute Textile and Light Engineering Sector in North-West Bangladesh” project.
RDRS Bangladesh, Karupannya Rangpur Limited, Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Rangpur Zila Lathe Machine Sramik Union are assisting PAB in implementing the project with financial assistance of European Commission.
With RCCI President Md Abul Kashem in the chair, ADC (General) Ruhul Amin Mian attended the occasion and distributed machines as the chief guest.
Principal Scientific Officer and in-charge of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute at its Rangpur Regional Station Dr. Abul Fazal Mollah, director of Karupannya Rangpur Limited Mahbub Rahman, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Extension SM Ashraf Ali, director (Development Programme) of RDRS Bangladesh Monjusree Saha and vice-principal of Rangpur Technical Training Centre Md. Khalekuzzaman addressed as special guests.
Acting country director of Practical Action Bangladesh Dr. Faruk-Ul-Islam delivered the welcome speech narrating importance of large-scale adoption and popularisation of the mechanised method for extraction of jute fibre.
He said the project aims to strengthen skills and employability of workers, entrepreneurs in cottage and small enterprises in jute and light- engineering sectors to enhance their competitiveness in both national and global market.
“Proper implementation of the project would improve quality of jute fibre for producing Bangladesh made high quality jute value added products to create huge demand of those in both national and international markets,” he said.
SM Ashraf Ali said the project would also contribute to economic development of the region by enhancing skills and creating jobs for thousands of poor people in jute textile and light engineering related sectors.
“The major challenge of producing diversified jute products is getting quality fibre and introduction of new fibre extraction machines would bring a great solution to that challenge,” he hoped.
Dr. Abul Fazal Mollah said the semi-automated jute fibre extraction machines would reduce two-third costs of per kilogram jute fibre processing at less time for jute retting and less labour than the traditional jute retting process.
“Separation of jute fibre using such machines along with adoption of improved, less labour-intensive, eco-friendly and water saving technology for retting process by farmers would become highly profitable,” he said.
The chief guest said the present government puts maximum importance on mechanisation of agriculture and introduction of these machines would further inspire farmers in jute cultivation at reduced costs to produce high-priced quality jute fibre, reports BSS, Rangpur.
