Five day long jute fair, exhibition cum sale along with capacity building on marketing of jute diversified product was inaugurated at the capital by Minister, Commerce and Industry, Ms. Neeru Sewa who was the chief guest of this inaugural programme.

The fair is organized by Sikkim Consultancy Center (SICON) whereas sponsored by National Jute Board under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The fair and the capacity building program will last till 28th of February.

Speaking with the media Ms. Sewa said that since long plastic is banned in the state so jute products is the best alternative as jute is eco- friendly and bio-degradable. Minister also informed that considering the present scenario of jute and its products in the state is under progress but needs to be given more emphasis in days to come. She appealed all the commune of the state to go for jute as an alternative for plastic bags and even requested the self helps groups to cope up with the training program along with the development of skills in preparing the jute products in the state as jute products can also provide good employment opportunity.

Market promotion officer of National Jute Board Mr. TK Saha informed that today the use of plastic is almost banned all over the nation and the people are environment conscious as well so jute as the best alternative natural product can replace plastic.

Saha added that NJB has also set up jute service center in various parts of the country along with raw jute bank from where the raw material can be availed at the mill grade price. Sikkim is developing with the help of SICON in relation to jute products.

Whereas the officer in-charge of SICON Mr. D Chakraborty said that SICON is an implementing agency and works on social development, training, studies in different aspects. Furthermore, SICON provides hand holding service to the budding entrepreneur in the form of project report preparation, guiding in availing finance along with marketing. Chakraborty informed that SICON is working here in Sikkim since 1983 and encouraging the local entrepreneur to be engaged in this sector. Mr. Chakraborty added that so far response from the people is good but the volume of operation is required in taping the bigger market which is yet to be achieved and there are six SHG operational in the state engaged in producing jute products.

In regards to capacity building program a total of 25 participants will be undergoing the training where 20 are female and 5 male.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

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