There is every possibility of reviving the past glory of jute in Bangladesh. There was a time when the whole world used to know us as the major jute grower and exporter. But it fell out of demand because of the onslaught of plastic products. However, it is encouraging to note that our own researchers have been carrying out research works on jute and as a result Bangladesh has been able to develop genome sequencing of jute. It was a significant breakthrough no doubt. Experts say that gene sequencing will help improve the fibre length and quality, colour and strength of jute as well as saline and pest resistant jute varieties through genetic engineering. Bangladesh also holds promise of producing viscose fibre from jute. China has recently offered Bangladesh to build a plant to produce viscose, which is softer than cotton following a chemical treatment.
The government should make investment
to replace the old machinery of jute mills
to make them efficient for producing viscose,
suitable for use in cotton yarn factories
Bangladesh can save nearly $800 million annually if it can produce viscose locally. There is no denying that it will be a major achievement for the Bangladesh textile industry. Bangladesh now has to prepare itself with modern technology to use jute fibre as a prospective substitute for cotton, which is much lighter. It is widely felt that the government should make investment to replace the old machinery of jute mills to make them efficient for producing viscose which would be suitable for use in cotton yarn factories. And there should be more research on jute production round the year to meet a rising local and global demand.
Now, good news is demand for jute and jute goods is rising in the international market. According to news reports there is high demand for jute and jute goods in 120 countries, including 25 EU nations. Now is the time to diversify and produce more and more jute products to expand the market. One report says that Bangladesh produces 235 varieties of jute goods and the number will soon be expanded to 250.