National Conference organized at ICAR-NINFET, Kolkata

3rd January, 2023, Kolkata

ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (NINFET) in collaboration with The Indian Natural Fibre Society (TINFS); ICAR-Central Research Institute of Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF), Barrackpore; National Jute Board (NJB), Kolkata; Jute Corporation of India (JCI), Kolkata; Central Wool Development Board, Jodhpur & NABARD, Kolkata has organized a 2-day National Conference on “Natural fibre for sustainable societal development” during January 03-04, 2023.  

  

Dr. S.N. Jha, DDG (Agricultural Engineering), ICAR and Chief Guest of the inaugural session has praised the efforts of ICAR-NINFET in organizing this conference and urged the delegates to use of natural fibre-based products. He also suggested strengthening TINFS through more collaboration with fibre-related organizations.

  

Dr. K. Narsaiah, ADG (PE), ICAR and Guest of Honour spoke about the application of the latest technologies in the R&D of natural fibre.

 Dr. G.S. Bhatti, Executive Director, CWDB has suggested blending of wool with other natural fibres for diversified products.

Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF has spoken about sustainable production strategies of natural fibres.

Dr. A. Sahoo, Director, ICAR-NRC on Camel in his address has stressed more and more use of animal fibres in research and development.

Issues and strategies for the growth and sustenance of natural fibres were presented and discussed in nine technical sessions including the poster session during this conference.

Concurrent to this conference, a farmers’ fair-cum-exhibition was also organized where KVKs, Startups, FPOs and nearby ICAR Institutes have participated.

Recent issues of journal and newsletter published by The Indian Natural Fibre Society (TINFS) and Souvenir- cum- Technical Volume of the conference were released on this occasion. TINFS awards were also distributed in this inaugural session.

The Exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between ICAR-NINFET and manufacturers was a highlighting feature of the event. Technologies viz. Banana Pseudo-stem Fibre Extractor, Pineapple Leaf Fibre Extractor, Natural Fibre Grading Instruments, Jute leaf Drink, Jute Activated Carbon were licensed through this MoU.

About 200 delegates representing research organization, academia, industry, startups etc. have participated.  Dr. L.K. Nayak, Organizing Secretary has coordinated the National Conference.

(Source: ICAR- National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata)