ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET), Kolkata, organised a dissemination seminar on the Research and Development (R&D) projects carried out under the Jute Product Diversification Scheme (JPDS). The institute also conducted an awareness session on the New Age Fibre Mission (NAFM) of the National Jute Board (NJB), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

The programme focused on sharing the results of R&D projects implemented under JPDS and increasing awareness among stakeholders about the potential, applications and future opportunities offered by new-age fibres. The discussions highlighted their role in sustainable development, livelihood generation and diversification of India's natural fibre sector.

Dr D.B. Shakyawar, Director of ICAR-NINFET, Kolkata, encouraged farmers to adopt modern technologies and explore new applications for new-age fibers. He highlighted the potential of these fibers to improve productivity, increase value addition, support sustainable development and create new livelihood opportunities.

An important development during the program was the expression of mutual interest by Sasya Shyamala Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Kolkata, and ICAR-NINFET to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The proposed partnership will focus on collaborative research, extension activities and the commercialization of sustainable textile products made from new-age fibers.

The event covered innovative technologies, recent research developments and applications related to new-age fibers, along with opportunities for value addition and product diversification. The session also encouraged interaction and knowledge exchange between researchers, industry representatives and other stakeholders.