January 3, 2024, Kolkata:

The Institute has organized five different national events under the banner of National Natural Fibre Festival (NNFF)- 2025 during 2^nd to 4^th January, 2025.

On 3^rd January, 2025, Hon’ble Union Textile Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh graced the 87^th Foundation Day of NINFET with his presence. The Hon’ble Union Minister inaugurated the exhibition stalls and visited various laboratories of the Institute. Dr. Shakyawar explained and demonstrated each and every equipment and technology developed by NINFET.

Hon'ble Textile Minister Shri Giriraj Singh Ji started his address with the slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”. He appreciated  the commendable work done by the NINFET scientists on natural fibres such as jute yarn softening to woollen yarn for fashion garments, bamboo-jute-viscose blended fabric, AI enabled grading system. He also congratulated to the scientists for developing mini jute processing machines, hemp fibre extraction machine and extraction of keratin from waste wool and said that NINFET technologies such as bio-packaging, eco-friendly fuel, water saving technology for jute cleaning, digital fibre grading equipment will bring revolution in future. He informed that textile export rate has seen a growth of 15% in recent years and jute is expected to have a bright future in carpet industry. He envisioned a market of $300 billion by 2030 in which jute will play a major role in achieving the target and urged the textile sector to achieve the target from its current market size of $176 billion. He suggested the jute mills to adopt new technologies and be a partner in the direct or indirect benefits of Indian farmers.

In the welcome address, Director Dr. D.B. Shakyawar presented the achievements of ICAR-NINFET during the last five years. He assured the country and natural fibre producing farmers to bring new research technologies in the field of natural fibres which would be promising for sustainable development and enhance the income for farmers. He urged the Hon’ble Minister to declare ICAR-NINFET as a Centre of Excellence and Institute of National Interest.

On this occasion, Hon'ble Dr. S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering) from ICAR in his address urged the scientists to bring more innovative research ideas like maximum use of natural fibres especially jute by-products in food products. He also pointed out the need to develop centres of excellence by modernizing our laboratories.

Jute Commissioner and Guest of Honour Shri Malay Chandan Chakraborty appreciated the effort of NINFET scientists and the outcome of collaborative projects with National Jute Board. He expressed his desire to bring new projects with NINFET in future with more strong bonding between these two bodies.

On the occasion, Technology Profile published by the Institute, BIS IS-7032-2024 Standard, NINFET-Newsletter, leaflet on Keratin extraction from waste Wool, and Video on Jute Leaf Tea, Handicrafts and Bag Training were inaugurated. Awards were presented to the best entrepreneurs by the Hon'ble Minister.

Entrepreneur's Meet was also organized on the occasion of Foundation Day celebrations. Six MoAs were signed in the presence of Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh Ji. Dr. S.N. Jha, DDG (Engineering), Dr. K. Narasaiah, ADG (PE), Dr. D.B. Shakyawar, Director, ICAR-NINFET, Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO, Agrinnovate India Ltd. Dr K K Satpathy, Former Director, ICAR-NINFET, Shri Shashi Bhushan Singh, Secretary, NJB and Shri Moloy Chandan Chakraborty, Jute Commissioner were among the dignitaries present on the dais.

Dr. K. Narasaiah, ADG (PE), ICAR delivered the vote of thanks.

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