Officials and experts at a views-sharing meeting on Monday stressed on adopting latest technologies in jute farming to get maximum production and enhancing use of jute products instead of polythene.
They expressed their opinion at the event organised by the Directorate of Jute under the Ministry of Jute and Textiles in collaboration with the district administration at the Deputy Commissioner's conference room in the city.
Presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Abdul Mannan, officials,jute farmers, jute traders, jute product entrepreneurs, jute mill owners,representatives of auto rice mill owners and journalists attended the programme.
Scientific Officer of Rangpur Regional Jute Research Institute Md Mehebub Hasan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md Reaz Uddin, among others, addressed the meeting.
The speakers stressed on adoption of ribbon retting technologies for rotting and separation of jute fibre during droughts or water scarcity to get maximum production with upgraded quality fibre and higher market price, BSS adds.
They said expanded and multidimensional use of jute products has been increasing its demand faster following adverse effects of synthetic fibre on the environment in the globe ushering new hope for revival past glory of the 'golden fibre'.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner said jute is a cash crop in Bangladesh but it's losing its golden tradition due to various reasons.
Regarding jute cultivation, he said jute farmers are losing interest in its cultivation day by day due to lack of adequate water reservoirs for jute decomposition.
"The government is distributing free jute seeds, fertilizers and fungicides to motivate farmers in jute cultivation," he said, and called on all concerned to inspire farmers to enhance cultivation and production of jute.
He put emphasis on reviving the past glory of jute through increasing production of the fibre and high quality jute products and enhancing exports of the same in the international markets.
"Adequate public awareness should be created to expand use of the eco-friendly jute products leaving synthetic polyethylene to free nature from pollution," he added.
