ICAR-CRIJAF celebrated the 72nd Foundation Day

9th February 2024, Barrackpore,

ICAR- Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore celebrated its 72nd Foundation Day here today.

The Chief Guest Prof. Swapan Kumar Datta, Former Vice Chancellor, Biswa Bangla University and Visva Bharati and Former Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR, New Delhi, emphasised that the decoding of jute genome information will open new opportunities to develop designer jute with all desirable traits and climate and biotic stress resiliency.

Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, said that the institute has reoriented the research programmes to utilize the mandated crops in totality for ecosystem service, nutraceuticals and other by-products utilization beyond the fibre-producing crops. Dr. Kar highlighted the institute's initiatives in forming jute-based Self Help Groups and Farmers' Producers Organizations, and training on manufacturing value-added jute diversified products, which will encourage entrepreneurship and increase the income of farmers and other stakeholders in the jute sector.

Prof, Malabika Dadlani, Former Joint Director Research, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, highlighted the strong history of the institute

Dr. B. K. Das, Director of ICAR- Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, emphasized the need to transition from plastics to jute.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director of ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, announced the institute's commitment to fostering robust collaborations with various organizations to enhance its visibility and significantly promote its technologies.

Dr. D. B. Shakywar, Director, ICAR- National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology reiterated strong collaboration with CRIJAF for the overall development of the jute sector.

The programme attracted industry, Government institutions, ICAR institutes, regional stations, media, students, and farmers, showcasing the proven technologies of ICAR-CRIJAF, SHGs, and FPOs through various exhibition stalls.

(Source: ICAR- Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore)