Thiruvananthapuram: ‘Jute Fair’ features products as alternatives to plastics

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To highlight jute products as an alternative material to plastics, the National Jute Board has come up with an exhibition-cum-sale which aims at creating an opportunity for jute entrepreneurs to introduce their products to the market.
Baharuddin Ansari boarded from Paharpurkalan, a small village in Uttar Pradesh, to introduce products made by the villagers.His wall hanging products which depict the beauty of nature has won the attention of visitors. The exhibition “Jute Fair” organized at the Sree Moolam Club in Vazhuthacaud features 22 stalls run by entrepreneurs from across the country.
“People have started liking eco-friendly lifestyles, especially value-added products of jute. The exhibition is the best platform for jute lovers to get the products at very reasonable prices. This is the best material to replace plastic as it is a long-lasting one. Initially, the demand for jute products was comparatively low and it increased when the entrepreneurs presented their products in new appearance and style. This expo highlights the diversities and scope of jute products,” said R P Sreenivas, secretary of South Indian Jute Association.
The visitors were curious to know about the manufacture of jewelleries made with wood apple shells. Manoj Ghosh, the entrepreneur of the product hailing from Kolkata, explains the process of converting the shell into a beautiful necklace by using jute as base. Meanwhile, Sabyasachi Poddar from Kolkata has brought a sense of Indian culture through doll products made by his mother.
According to the entrepreneurs, the previous exhibitions conducted at various places in the country have gained them a lot of business. Here, the number of people visiting the show even after three days of the expo is very low.