ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres observed “World Environmental Day” on 04.06.2022 with the theme “Self-employment opportunities and making clean and green environment through natural fibers”.
On this occasion lectures and presentation on the importance of environment day and the theme of this special day was presented by scientists and eminent scholars.
Prof. Mohua Das, Vice-Chancellor, West Bengal State University, Kolkata graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Abhijit Paul, Nehru Fulbright Fellow, University of Berkeley, California was the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Gouranga Kar, ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore, chaired the program and highlighted the replacement of single-use plastics with jute-based products. He reiterated that natural fibers have huge economic, ecological, and nutraceutical value for which the technologies are in place.
Dr. Kar also emphasized on diversified use of natural fibers in the context of changing climatic conditions. He briefed about the importance of taking positive steps to protect the environment and precious biodiversity of the planet from pollution and emphasized the spread of awareness to clean up the surrounding among the public to make it a successful campaign globally.
Dr. Kar highlighted that jute and other natural fiber crops have vast potential for a sustainable ecosystem as these crops besides being the source of biodegradable natural fibers also have very high ecosystem value because of the capacity to sequester CO2 and maintenance of soil fertility.
The Chief Guest Prof. Mohua Das, Vice-Chancellor, West Bengal State University, Kolkata expressed that on this special day the institute which deals with natural fibers is the fittest venue to celebrate World Environment Day.
She also emphasized on call for greater collaboration with ICAR-CRIJAF for students with a special focus on jute and harnessing the ecological values of these crops further.
Prof. Abhijit Paul, Nehru Full Bright Fellow, University of Berkeley, California briefed on encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment and global warming. He stated that the natural fiber will play a sustainable role in safeguarding the environment if the benefit from such products is linked to community development.
Dr. Krishna Ray, Assistant Professor, West Bengal State University, Kolkata stressed on regeneration of mangrove forests in coastal ecosystems which aims to recover the degraded, damaged ecosystem, and also highlighted the potential of mangrove forests to mitigate climate change.
A total of 200 participants including the scientists and staff of ICAR-CRIJAF and students participated in the program. The delegates also visited the experimental farm of the Institute.
