The Bangladesh jute and textiles ministry recently gave the go-ahead to the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) to develop jute industrial villages on its unused lands for the diversification of products made from the natural fibre. The corporation runs 25 state-run mills. The ministry’s decision followed a feasibility reported submitted by a panel.
The panel also recommended setting up of such parks in privatised jute mills that have violated government contracts, according to Bangladesh media reports. About 34 mills under the BJMC were privatised in the past.
Sixteen districts produce most of the jute, with each producing more than 2 lakh bales in 2016-17, the panel found. The highest amount of jute is grown in Faridpur, followed by Rajbari, Magura, Jamalpur and Kushtia.
The panel also suggested establishing small industries to make diversified jute goods to cater to the export market and create jobs.
The idea of developing jute industrial villages is derived from the concept of existing weaving villages to promote small and medium enterprises. Products like jute bags and sandals will be made in the small scale factories in the villages.
The jute industry, which employs nearly 2 lakh workers, is Bangladesh's third largest export-earning sector after garment and leather. (DS)
Source Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India