PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ram Nath Thakur, on a two days visit February 20 & 21, 2026 to Kolkata, visited the ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (ICAR-NINFET) in Kolkata and inaugurated two path-breaking indigenous technologies — an AI-based grading system for jute , and a robotic arm-based Bundle Strength Tester for lignocellulosic fibres.
These innovations are expected to significantly strengthen the jute industry, which continues to play a vital role in India’s economy by generating employment for millions of farmers and workers, contributing to rural livelihoods, and earning valuable foreign exchange through exports of eco-friendly products.
Under the visionary leadership of its Director, Dr. D.B. Shakywar, ICAR-NINFET has been pioneering advanced processing technologies that are expanding the use of raw jute far beyond traditional packaging bags for cereals, sugar and pulses as well as other commodities. The institute is now enabling the manufacture of high-value, diversified products including handicrafts, garments, home furnishings, threads for nets, and a wide range of industrial applications.
During his visit, Shri Thakur held a detailed review meeting with the Director, senior scientists and technical staff to assess ongoing projects aimed at further development and expansion of the jute sector across the country.
ICAR-NINFET has also successfully developed flax fibres, banana fibres, pineapple fibres, hemp and other natural fibres for producing handicrafts, garments, vegan leather accessories and everyday-use products. Scientists at the institute are actively working to position jute — popularly known as the “golden fibre” — and allied natural fibres as premium raw materials for high-quality, all-weather garments, handicrafts and textiles targeted at both domestic and highly competitive international markets.
These efforts are directly contributing to India’s economy by boosting exports of biodegradable and eco-friendly jute-based products, thereby earning valuable foreign exchange. With India entering into multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the country’s MSME sector and legacy jute processing units are rapidly adopting these new technologies to create innovative, sustainable products for global markets.
The institute’s work is also playing a key role in increasing farmers’ income in West Bengal and other major jute-growing states, translating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a vibrant and prosperous agriculture sector. Scientists of ICAR-NINFET are additionally collaborating with other ICAR organisations to convert agricultural waste into wealth, further enhancing the sustainability and economic contribution of the natural fibre sector.
The newly inaugurated AI and robotic systems are set to bring precision, efficiency and quality consistency to jute processing, reinforcing the industry’s competitiveness and cementing its position as a cornerstone of India’s rural economy and green exports.