ICAR-CRIJAF organized two-day sensitization cum interactive meeting of Agricultural Officers of Odisha with an objective to create awareness among the agricultural extension officers and farmers on recent development in improved cultivation and post-harvest technologies of jute and allied fibre crops.
Odisha has huge potential, resources and suitable agro-climatic condition which can be exploited through utilization of modern cultivation technologies to increase the total production and productivity that can match the national productivity.
The participants visited the exhibition hall and museum of ICAR-CRIJAF for a preliminary exposure to various technologies, varieties, porotypes, models showcased there. Director, ICAR-CRIJAF explained various issues related to jute and allied fibre cultivation in the country with special reference to Odisha. The participants also visited fibre museum where the fibre of different JAF crops and the jute diversified products are displayed.
In his address during the inaugural session Director, Dr. Gouranga Kar briefed about the current research programmes and technologies of the institute. He highlighted the economic, ecosystem and nutraceutical importance of jute and allied fibre crops.
CRIJAF's Contribution to Fibre Industry:
Keeping in mind the requirement of superior grade jute fibre to compete in the international market and to meet the demand in the domestic market the recently developed technologies of CRIJAF will boost the jute sector by augmenting quality, productivity and profitability. Dr. Kar told about various issues which are to be resolved through appropriate technological intervention for a substantial increase in jute productivity in Odisha. He expressed confidence that the institute has technologies right from seed and varieties to post-harvest and value addition of jute products which can be promoted in the state of Odisha through an action plan which may be implemented in different districts in a phased manner.
The participants also visited different models of in situ retting tanks and solar-operated slow moving retting water facility in the newly developed retting complex of the institute. The officers and farmers were also informed about the newly released varieties suitable for Odisha, the total seed requirement and the seed production strategy in the state.
On the concluding day discussion on improved production, protection and retting technology was made. In the concluding day discussion on improved production, protection and retting technology was made.
Distinguished Speakers:
M. C. Chakraborty, JC, GoI and Shri A.K. Jolly, MD JCI, GoI graced the valedictory programme and appreciated Odisha Govt’s initiative to increase the area and production of jute in that state. graced the valedictory programme and appreciated Odisha Govt’s initiative to increase the area and production of jute in that state.
The delegates expressed satisfaction over the discussion on various issues particularly the new technologies and improved varieties of jute. In his concluding remark. Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, CRIJAF reiterated that the institute is very keen to resolve the low productivity of jute in Odisha and it’s the beginning of that programme. In future also the linkage with the state will be strengthened to bring the glory of jute cultivation in Odisha.
