ACTIVITY/NEWS

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, August 17, 2016: ICAR-National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata organized a special Innovation Cell brainstorming lecture on “Innovations in engineering technology design, dissemination and commercialization” at ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata on August 17, 2016.

Dr. Indra Mani Mishra, Head, Division of Agricultural Engineering, IARI, New Delhi delivered lecture on “Innovations in engineering technology design, dissemination and commercialization”. He briefly described the meaning of Innovation. Indeed he pointed out that Human life and pursuits are full of innovations. An innovation is characterized by newness, economical, low cost and meant for solving a specific problem. In fact, innovation may come from anyone –Irrespective of age/qualification. He also highlighted the Government of India initiative to establish Design Innovation Centres to promote a culture of innovation and creative problem solving, to promote knowledge sharing, and to enhance interdisciplinary design-focussed education, research & entrepreneurial activities. Such a centre is being established at IARI with the hand holding of IIT-Kanpur.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, August 9, 2016: A 3 days National Level Training on “Production and retting technology of Jute/Mesta/Ramie/Sunnhemp including other related aspects” sponsored by National Food Security Mission (NFSM) - Commercial Crops, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India was inaugurated at ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata. Twenty-five trainees from different jute growing districts of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh & Tripura have participated in this programme.

In the inaugural session Dr. A.N. Roy, Head, Transfer of Technology Division & Course Director welcomed the guests and participants and highlighted on the importance of this training programme.  Dr. G. Roy, Director (Acting) spoke about the need of value addition & product diversification in jute & allied fibre sector. Dr. P.K. Das, Ex-Professor, BCKV graced the occasion as chief guest and elaborated upon the issues related to the production and post harvest processing of fibre crops.  Dr. K. Manoharan, Director, Directorate of Jute Development has graced the occasion as guest of honour and complemented the role of ICAR-NIRJAFT in organizing such training programmes. Dr. S.K. Biswas, Ex-Directror, Directorate of Jute Development has attended the programme as special guest and briefed about the present status and future needs in jute & allied fibre crops. Dr. L.K. Nayak, Senior Scientist and Co- Course Director has proposed the vote of thanks.

Lectures on recent advances in retting technology, allied fibres extraction & processing, geo-textiles, ornamental fabrics, particle-boards, hand-made paper, agri-business incubation etc. will be covered in this training programme. Visit to different laboratories of the Institute & live demonstration on ribboning & allied fibre extraction technologies also forms a part of this training programme.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, July 9, 2016: Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, Hon’ble Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare visited Kolkata on 9^th July, 2016. As desired by his office, Dr. Gautam Roy, Director (Acting), Dr. Gautam Bose, Acting Head of Mechanical Processing Division and Shri R.D. Sharma, Assistant Director (Official Language) met him at the West Bengal State Guest House and presented Review of progress and recent activities of ICAR-NIRJAFT before him. Minister expressed his satisfaction regarding the progress made by ICAR-NIRJAFT in recent years and also expressed his willingness to visit the institute as early as possible.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, June 21, 2016: Shri Radha Mohan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, visited National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata on 21^st June 2016. During his visit of the institute’s facilities, pilot plants and diversified products developed by the institute specially on home textiles, technical textiles including byproduct utilization, he appreciated the efforts of NIRJAFT in its hot pursuit and stressed on emphasis to be given on marketing of products at the national and international level. He also evinced keen interest in the institute’s showcasing of ornamental and utility fabrics woven in its own jackard handloom which are displayed in the institute’s Display-cum-Sales Counter. Later on, the Hon’ble Minister addressed all the institute employees and noted the cadre strength and existing strength of all categories of Scientists, technical, administrative and supporting grade personnel. During his address, the minister emphasized that institute must create and maintain a harmonious environment where all its employees can work together following strict punctuality. At the end, Hon’ble Minister addressed a press conference of electronic and print media and elicited his views on increasing awareness on jute and its products among the common mass.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, June 15, 2016: Agri Business Incubation Centre of ICAR-National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology organized “Workshop on Agri-Business Incubation” at ICAR-NIRJAFT, West Bengal on 15th June 2016. Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, Secretary DARE & Director General –ICAR was the Chief Guest and Dr. Joykrushna Jena, DDG, Fisheries-ICAR, Dr. Sanjeev Saxena, ADG (IPTM), ICAR and Swami Vishwamayananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachi were the Guest of Honour. About 25 JDP (Jute Diversified Product) manufacturers were participated along with other Dignitaries. Four MOU and Four MOA were signed between ICAR-NIRJAFT and different JDP (Jute Diversified Product) Manufacturers who wanted to do business adopting different ICAR-NIRJAFT Technologies.

The main objective of this Incubator was to translate the developed Agro Technologies into Business ventures and nurturing the next generation potential entrepreneurs to grow. The ABI unit at ICAR-NIRJAFT was giving thrust to provide facilities like office infrastructure, laboratory, pilot plant, and other Commercial facilities. This was to satisfy the need of the entrepreneurs that stays in incubation for a period sufficient to overcome risk and instill confidence among them.

Dr. P. G. Karmakar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, Dr. T. K. Ghoshal, The Officer-In-Charge, Kakdwip Research centre of Central Institute of Brackish water Aquaculture (CIBA), Dr. B. Barman, Head, Regional Research Station of Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Dr. D. C. Nayak, Head, Regional Centre, National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSSLUP), Dr. B. K. Mahapatra, The Officer-In-Charge, Central Institute of Fisheries Education Centre, Dr. S. K. Roy , Director, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute were also present in the auspicious occasion.

Dr. Debasis Nag, Director, ICAR-NIRJAFT deliberated a hearty welcome address to all the dignitaries. He described the main objectives and necessities of such workshop briefly. In his speech, Dr. Sanjeev Saxena, ADG (IPTM), ICAR emphasized on scalability, potentiality and sustainability of the technologies developed by the different Institutes of ICAR. He also mentioned that the experience gathered from BPD was very much important to sustain this project. He also described how different Govt. policies, such as new IPR Policy, Skill India, Make in India and Atal Mission would be beneficial for the ICAR-Institutions.  Swami Vishwamayananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachi started his deliberation with Swaraswati Stotra and he explained about learning and true knowledge of spirituality in a different dimension.  He also added that the ultimate goal of our life should be to do good for the people, society and nation. Dr. Joykrushna Jena, DDG, Fisheries-ICAR was the next speaker of that day. He started his speech describing the state mind of learning and reading. He also added that the main intention of different ICAR Institutes were to develop different technologies of inventions that should help the farmers and industries whatever it might be. So he hoped that the Incubation Center of ICAR-NIRJAFT would definitely help the entrepreneurs of this region.

Dr. Trilochan Mahapatra, Secretary DARE & Director General –ICAR reminded in his speech about the responsibility of choosing the potential entrepreneur with multiple dimensions, whether he would farmer or unemployed youth or an existing business house wanting diversify their business. He suggested that before captivating entrepreneur we should study them according to the guideline for assuming the success rate of them. He also added to share the experiences with other Incubation Centers regarding their success and failure for making strategies.

The Indian Natural Fibre Society bestowed Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & Director General –ICAR in recognition of his immense contribution in Science and Technology the prestigious Honourary Patronship which was conveyed by Dr. D. Nag, Director, ICAR-NIRJAFT and the present Chairman of the Society.

There were release of two books entitled Jute Card Design” by Dr. P. K. Das and Dr. D. Nag and “Book on Technology Profile” by the Agri-Business Incubation.

There were exchange of 4 MoUs and MoAs between Kamala Multi-Purpose Farming Marketing & Producer Society, Paschim Medinipur, Milltex Ecofibres P. Ltd, Joy Maa Tara Enterprise and Mr. Sourav Chowdhury regarding various technologies.

After that there was the Launching of ABI Website by the Trilochan Mahapatra, Secretary DARE & Director General –ICAR. In this website all the guideline and brief description of potential technologies were available for the incubatees.

The programme was ended by the formal Vote of Thanks by Dr. Alok Nath Roy, Principal Investigator of ABI and Head of the Division, Transfer of Technology.

 KVK, Jagatballavpur, May 27, 2016: ICAR-National Institute of Research on Jute and Allied Fibre Technology (NIRJAFT) organized “Technology and Machinery Demonstration Mela” at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jagatballavpur, Howrah, West Bengal under Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), Nadia, West Bengal on 27th May, 2016. Prof. Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director, Indian Institute of Engg., Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, Howrah, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. This Demonsc The esteemed guests of honour, during their address to about 700 farmers and members of farming families, appreciated sincere efforts made by NIRJAFT in organizing this type of event which will directly benefit the farmers in this region and provide them information about different machines and technologies developed for entrepreneurship development.

Participants represented different farmer clubs widely spread in the whole district of Howrah and its adjoining districts. Dr. Ajoy Kumar Ray, Director, IIEST, stressed that the new technologies developed in the field of jute and allied fibres particularly geo-textiles has tremendous potential for diversified application and he expressed his optimism about relevance of these Melas as an interaction field for scientists and farmers which will help free exchange of their views. All the farmers took keen interest in different technology demonstrations and a section of the participants expressed their willingness to form groups to adopt technologies like banana fibre extraction, bleaching and dyeing of jute, making handloom fabrics and preparation of handicrafts from jute fibres and yarns for their income generation. A quiz competition specifically on Agriculture and allied activities was also arranged in the afternoon session and 50 successful participants were rewarded to create awareness among the farming families. The programme ended with a cultural programme staged by the staff of KVK, Jagatballavpur, Howrah.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, May 5, 2016: A 02 days’ participatory technology development-cum-training programme on “Extraction, processing and product development from pineapple leaf fibre” sponsored by Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship, Government of Meghalaya was organized at ICAR-National Institute of Research on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata during May 3-4, 2016. Ten women from a Self Help Group (SHG) and two officials from Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship, Government of Meghalaya participated in this programme.

Dr. Alok Nath Roy, Head, Transfer of Technology Division & Course Director welcomed the participants and briefed about the training programme. Important aspects of pineapple leaf fibre extraction & processing viz. mechanization in fibre extraction, improved retting methods, scouring & bleaching of fibre & product development were covered through lecture and demonstration during the programme. Participants also visited different laboratories of the institute. An interactive session of the trainees with scientists of the institute was held on the second day i.e. May 04, 2016 under the chairmanship of Dr. D. Nag, Director, who distributed certificates to the participants for their successful completion of the training. Dr. Laxmikanta Nayak, Senior Scientist, coordinated the training programme.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, April 2, 2016: Shri Chhabilendra Roul, Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary ICAR, visited ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata on 2nd April, 2016. Dr D Nag, Director welcomed the Secretary to the Institute and mentioned his active association with Jute. He showed the work and achievements of the Institute. Shri Roul visited the NIRJAFT Laboratories and interacted with Scientists. While visiting different facilities, products and laboratories, he took keen interact in the technologies developed and congratulated scientists for good work done. Simultaneously he urged scientists to disseminate the technologies more aggressively. He addressed the Institute staff in Auditorium and stressed upon all to follow FR-SR and GFR rules & provisions in official activities. He advised more transparency in matters of Procurement and Recruitment. He told that scientists must know different rule while acting as a member of Chairman while administrative/ finance officers should appraise the scientists about different rule when may sought for help. Shri Roul assured that he will extend all support whenever the help is needed. Mr. Rajeev Lal, CAO proposed the vote of thanks.

 ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, April 2, 2016:ICAR-National Research Institute on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology (ICAR-NIRJAFT), Kolkata organized a Panel discussion on “Natural Fibre based Diversified Products-Imperatives for Growth” in collaboration with The Indian Natural Fibre Society (TINFS), Kolkata at ICAR-NIRJAFT auditorium on April 2, 2016.

Dr D Nag, Director, ICAR-NIRJAFT and President, TINFS, Kolkata welcomed all the delegates and invited panel members to the dais. He told the importance for organizing such events. The programme was chaired by Shri. Chhabilendra Roul, IAS, Additional Secretary, DARE & Secretary ICAR, GOI; Prof. (Dr.) Sabu Thomas, International & Inter University Centre for Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (IIUCNN) & International Unit on Macromoulecular Science & Engineering (IUMSE), Mahatma Gandhi university, Kerala; Shri Arvind Kumar M, Secretary, National Jute Board, Ministry of Textiles, GOI; Shri O.P. Prahaladka, Director & National Convenor (ER), Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, Dr. Debanjan Sur, Member-RAC, ICAR-NIRJAFT, Kolkata, acted as a moderator of the Panel discussion. Shri C. Roul, IAS, delivered a lecture on sustainability of jute diversified products (JDP) with special attention on paper and pulp sector, geo-textiles and composites.  Prof. (Dr.) S. Thomas discussed on the use of natural fibres in composites and immense potential of natural fibre derived nanocellulose in composites for frontier applications. Shri Arvind Kumar M discussed about the futuristic approaches/policies for jute geotextiles (JGT) in road constructions, out reach programmes for promotion of natural fibres etc. Shri O.P. Prahaladka emphasized that there is a need to change the image of jute as a cheap product by value addition through life style products. Important issues like agrotextiles, geo-textiles, quality jute products for diversified sector, long term training instead of short term training for capacity building, new entrepreneur development and finally, industry-trade-institute joint actions to overcome the constraints in JDPs were discussed.

About 130 participants from different organizations like ICAR-National Research Institute on Jute & Allied Fibre Technology, Kolkata; ICAR-Central Research Institute on Jute & Allied Fibre, Barrackpore; Government College of Engineering & Textile Technology, Serampore; Department of Jute & Fibre Technology, Calcutta University; National Jute Board, GOI and members of TINFS participated in this panel discussion.