In a step towards promoting national integration and jute awareness, the Jute Corporation of India (JCI) is launching a week-long ‘Colours of Independence’ campaign on Tuesday. Terming this as an opportunity for general public to participate, Chairman and Managing Director of JCI K.V.R. Murthy said similar campaign would be launched in 70 cities to celebrate 70 years of Independence.
“HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao is expected to launch the campaign at CMR Central Shopping Mall at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Participants can try their hands at jute fabric painting which will be conducted at the mall until August 15,” he said. The painting will be sent to the Union Ministry of Textiles which is spearheading it.
“The labour-intensive jute industry is facing manpower crunch. However, the jute crop is plentiful this year and there is less dependence on imports of jute products from Bangladesh,” he said.
The JCI aims at safeguarding the interest of farmers, ensuring minimum support price. “The Mini Mission – III, launched as part of the Jute Technology Mission, is entrusted with the task of providing market linkages to jute growers.
JCI intends to provide a one-stop solution for Jute Diversified Products (JDP) under the brand name ‘Sonali’. In future, a dedicated JDP outlet will be set up in Visakhapatnam,” Dr. Murthy said.
He said the Bhimli mesta grown in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam were of inferior quality due to prevailing dry weather conditions. “Therefore the minimum jute price per quintal has been fixed at Rs. 2,900 in these districts,” Dr. Murthy added.
