Vol.9, Issue No.2, April-June 2017

From the Desk of the Director In this issue During second quarter of 2017, IJIRA has participated at the Textiles -2017 Textiles India-2017 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat during 30th June-2nd July. Activities of IJIRA as CoE

Ongoing R&D Activities IJIRA has showcased its major products developed within last few years at the Mega Event which was inaugurated by Activities of IJIRA - NERC Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri . As the Hon’ble PM emphasized on Services application of natural fibre-based textiles products more, IJIRA in the same line had focused to display eco-friendly jute-based products of geotextiles, composites, Other Activities bags, sacks, aroma textiles, sanitary napkins, natural dyed textiles, and models depicting application of geo home textiles.

In the said event, IJIRA signed a Memorandum of Association with Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology for joint collaboration on R&D of jute and allied fibres. It was a historic event for IJIRA to put signatures on the MoA in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani. The exhibition stall of IJIRA at the trade fair were visited and applauded for excellent Editorial Board research exhibits by numerous dignitaries, viz. Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Dr. S.K. Chakrabarti Transport, Highways and Port, Shri ; Hon’ble Minister of Textile for Dr. Md. S. Rahman State, Shri ; Hon’ble Secretary to , Govt of India, Shri Debkumar Biswas Shri Anant Kumar Singh; Joint Secretaries, Shri A. Madhukumar Reddy, Dr. Shri Palash Paul Subrata Gupta and Shri Puneet Agarwal; Textile Commissioner, Dr. Kavita Gupta. Shri Ritwik Chakraborty Shri Partha Sanyal In last trimester, IJIRA has carried out all R&D projects in accordance with their scheduled time frames. IJIRA has transferred its proven technologies to several jute mills in the last quarter also. Softening of hard root cuttings using microbial formulation which has already been highly appreciated by Jute Industry has been adopted by several new jute mills. Moreover, IJIRA is also involved in mill level group studies including identifying reasons for low productivity and providing solutions thereof.

I thank the Editorial Board for its effort to bring out this edition of IJIRA Newsletter in time. I will welcome any positive suggestions/comments and constructive criticism too which will help us to do better.

U.S. Sarma Director, IJIRA

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Textiles India-2017

The Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India organized Mega Exhibition-cum-Conferences, named, Textiles India-2017 from 30th June to 2nd July 2017, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to showcase the strength of the Indian Textile Sector before the global and national leaders of the industry, technical experts and senior policy makers from the Union and State Governments. The Ministry of Textiles had allotted 80 sq. m. of space to IJIRA in the exhibition hall to showcase recent developments in jute sector. Accordingly, IJIRA had displayed the recent developments made by the institute with special emphasis on product diversification with replica models and samples. The stall was designed focusing on the application of Jute Geotextiles in hill slopes protection, soil erosion control on river bank and in rural road construction. The various uses of jute and jute diversified products were also displayed in the stall, by construction of a modern bedroom in which the bed sheet, garments, curtains, wall coverings etc. were displayed. Various technologies developed by IJIRA were depicted by erected posters and displaying samples like composites, sanitary napkins etc. Thanks to member mills who contributed for this exhibition were - Ludlow Jute & Specialities Ltd., The Ganges Jute Mills, Birla Jute Mills, Purnasar Jute Park and Gourisankar Mills.

A number of dignitaries and guest visitors visited the IJIRA stall and recorded their valuable comments in the visitor’s book. Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Roads and Transports, Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles for State, Shri Anant Kumar Singh, Secretary Textiles, Shri Puneet Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Dr. Subrata Gupta, Joint Secretary, Shri A. Madhukumar Reddy, Joint Secretary (Jute) and Jute Commissioner, Smt. Kavita Gupta, Textile Commissioner, Shri Arvind Kumar M., Secretary NJB and guest visitors from the state visited and appreciated the developments displayed in the IJIRA stall. Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles for State, had instructed IJIRA to take up application of Jute Geotextiles in soil erosion control in . A galaxy of doyens from Jute industry had visited IJIRA stall and interacted with the scientists of IJIRA regarding transfer of technologies developed by the institute.

The trade fair was inaugurated on 30th June 2017, at the Helipad Ground and at the Main Convention Hall at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble along with Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles and Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles for State, inaugurated the three days long international event.

On 1st July 2017, scientists of IJIRA attended two Round Table Conferences on “Sustainability of Jute and Allied Natural Fibers” and on “Research in Innovative Use of Jute including Non-Wovens and Composites”, at the Helipad Ground Hall no. 9. Shri Debkumar Biswas, Shri Ritwik Chakraborty, Shri Partha Sanyal and Shri Palash Paul were present as rapporteurs in round table conferences in Jute section. Dr. U.S. Sarma, Director, IJIRA along with Dr. S.K. Chakrabarti, Deputy Director, IJIRA also participated. Shri A.K. Lohia, Chairman, IJIRA and Shri D.C. Baheti, M.D., Gloster Ltd. were invited as speakers of the Round Table Conferences, held on 1st July, 2017. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Officials of IJIRA and Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) and the team also attended the Country Session of Bangladesh.

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On 2nd July 2017, Director, IJIRA along with its scientist’s team attended the General Conference on Productivity and Product Diversification Challenges of Natural Fibres at Mahatma Mandir, Seminar Room No. 3. Shri Parth Sanyal and Shri Palash Paul were rapporteurs in the conference.

On the same day, in the Valedictory Session Address was given by Shri Ajay Tamta, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles for State, Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani addressed the session, Keynote Address was given by Shri Venkiah Naidu, Union Minister of Urban Development followed by the Valedictory Address by Shri Arun Jaitely, Union Finance Minister and the session concluded with Vote of Thanks by Shri Anant Kumar Singh, Secretary Textiles.

Photographs of Textile India-2017

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IJIRA (CoE) Initiatives for Use of Jute Geotextiles in NER

a) Jute Geotextiles application work in Slope Stabilization at Internal Village Road of Raliang, North Jowai Division, Meghalaya

Project Approval: Approved by 5th Apex Monitoring Committee of Ministry of Textiles held on 27.06.2016.

Project Implementing Unit (PIU): North Jowai Division, PWD, Govt. of Meghalaya.

With the arrival of the required Jute Geotextiles material for the said work a team of IJIRA comprising Civil Engineers, Textile Technologist visited and stationed near the projected location of the site from dated 11.05.2017 to monitor and supervise the installation work of Jute Geotextiles along the slope. The project has been completed at the end of May, 2017 and almost 13000 sq. m area was treated with Jute Geotextiles in Collaboration with PWD, Govt. of Meghalaya. The project is being continuously monitored by NERC, IJIRA.

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Few of the site photographs

Before During Laying

During Laying Finished

b) One Day Technical Workshop at Agartala, Tripura under “Scheme for promoting usage of Jute Geotextiles in NER” held on 14th June, 2017

A one-day Technical Workshop on “Applications of Jute Geotextiles in the state of Tripura” was held on 14th June 2017 at the Pragna Bhawan, Agartala. The workshop was organized by Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association (IJIRA), Kolkata under the sponsorship of Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India in collaboration with Public Works Department (NH), Govt. of Tripura.

Shri Lok Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt. of Tripura and Shri Dipak Das, Chief Engineer, PWD (NH), Govt. of Tripura inaugurated the workshop as the ‘Chief Guest’ and ‘Guest-of-honour’ respectively along with Dr. U. S. Sarma, Director of IJIRA, Dr. S.K. Chakrabarti, Deputy Director, IJIRA and Shri Palash Paul, Scientist, IJIRA amongst others.

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c) Techno Economic Viability study for slope stabilization and soil erosion control alongside of National Highways- NH 208, NH-08 and NH 208A under PWD (NH), Tripura.

As per the series of identified sites by PWD (NH), Govt. of Tripura. Techno Economic Viability (TEV) Study for slope management using Jute Geotextiles along NH-08, NH-208A & NH-208 was carried out on dated 15th June, 2017 along with Engineers and Officials of PWD (NH), Agartala Division, PWD (NH), Kumarghat Division and PWD (NH) Amarpur Sub-division. All the sites alongside of Highways are being analyzed for possibility of slope stabilization with the help of JGT, the Highways provides links among the districts namely West Tripura, Khowai, Dhalai, Unakoti and North Tripura. Under Amarpur Sub-division site inspection was carried out from Agartala along NH- 208 where three different sites were inspected and TEV carried out.

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Random Snaps taken during TEV studies on 15.06.2017

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d) Soil Testing of two sample collected from the two vulnerable sites alongside of National Highways NH-08 and NH-208:

Soil test parameters such as Natural Water content, Soil Classification, Specific Gravity, Grain Size Analysis, Atterbergs Limits have been determined at IJIRA-NERC Soil Laboratory on the samples taken during TEV studies under PWD (NH), Govt. of Tripura.

e) Presentation in one day Seminar on “PROSPECTS of JUTE AND PLASTIC INDUSTRY” in Namami Brahmaputra Festival, Guwahati, Assam A one day seminar on “PROSPECTS of JUTE AND PLASTIC INDUSTRY” was held on 03.04.2017 at Machkhowa in the Bank of River Brahmaputra wherein in the technical session IJIRA gave presentations on “Jute Geotextiles - its importance and application areas”. Also highlighted in brief about the “Scheme for promoting usage of Jute Geotextiles in NER” to explore Jute Geotextiles in Civil engineering Projects, the Ministry of Textiles Scheme during the event.

Ongoing R&D Activities of IJIRA

Presently IJIRA is carrying out twelve R&D projects; eleven sponsored by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and one sponsored by the National Jute Board. Followings are the project-wise activities being carried out so far –

1. Design and Development of 50 kg Capacity Jute Bags considering Threshold Mechanical Properties and Physical Parameters

As per the recommendation of the Project Monitoring Committee of IJIRA, Research Advisory Committee of IJIRA and Project Approval and Monitoring Committee, Ministry of Textiles, efforts are now being made to examine the efficacy of development of plain woven jute bags. Accordingly, large numbers of bags of various constructional parameters have been prepared and tested at IJIRA. However, the test results show that double warp plain woven bag of 525 g/bag prepared from various warp and weft yarn combinations are prone to seepage of grains as well as poor hook hole recovery.

Efforts are now therefore being made to develop serviceable bags of targeted weight between 540 g – 550 g. In parallel, IJIRA is also examining feasibility of development of hessian bag.

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2. Utilization of Jute Sticks & Jute Waste for Extraction of Value added Chemicals for Industrial uses

Preparation of Lignosulphonate

India has imported more than 40 thousand MT of Sodium Lignosulphonate in last one year. It is worthy to mention that India is the world’s largest producer of Jute and allied fibers (1.980 million tons), which accounts for about 57% of the world’s production (3.460 million tons). In Indian context total jute plant production is about 32-35 million MT and about 17-18% of which is composed of jute fibre and stick (5.4-6.3 million MT). If the Lignosulphonate from 8% of the total cultivated jute plant stick is extracted successfully to the extent of 10%, the total import demand could be met and there would be a national saving of Rs 183 crore.

It is now possible to extract lignosulphonate from jute stick to the tune of 10-15 %. The extracted lignosulphonate has been characterized by FTIR and matches chemically with lignosulphonate prepared from rise husk imported from China by M/s. Periwal Enterprises. The prepared lignosulphonate will be compared with standard imported product in bulk scale in admixture with concrete mix as plasticizer. The incorporation of 0.2 – 0.3 % of Lignosulphonate reduces water requirement by 10-12%, and increases the strength of the concrete by 15- 20 % after 3 days and 20% after 28 days.

Preparation of Bioethanol

Hemicellulose and Cellulose extracted from jute stick by chemical hydrolysis have been fermented to ethanol. Ethanol has been prepared from jute sticks in 20 litre bio-fermenter and distilled to 95% alcohol. It has been characterized by chemical tests and HPLC.

Preparation of Bio-oil

Experimental Work and Results

The extraction of bio-oil was carried out in a fast pyrolysis reactor at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering Bhopal. About 1.5 kg of dried pulverized jute sticks were fed into the pilot scale bio-oil Plant. About 400 ml of bio-oil was obtained from the reactor in two fractions. The fast pyrolysis was carried out at temperature of 400 – 500 °C. In another experiment 2.7 kg of dried pulverized jute sticks were fed into the same reactor and the temperature maintained between 450 – 550 °C and 900 ml of fast pyrolysis oil could be recovered. Nitrogen purging was used to make the reactor oxygen free. A cooling water temperature of 4 – 6 °C was used to collect the bio-oil in two condensing units. The bio- oil produced from jute stick was characterized The pH of the bio-oil samples varied from 4.85 to 5.17. The viscosity of the samples estimated using Vibro Viscometer SV-10 was between 0.94 mPa.s and 1.26 mPa.s. The solubility profile of the bio-oil showed that the bio-oil is soluble in only a few solvents. The characterization of the bio-oil using FTIR at IJIRA and GC-MS at National Test House is underway. The residual biochar is also being characterised.

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3. Faster Retting of jute plant through Bio-Chemical intervention

Four mass farmers’ awareness programmes have been conducted on faster retting of jute using IJIRA- SUBHRA at (1) Atghara Bikas Kendra, Baduria, Dist.-North 24 Parganas (2) Hatisala Ghat Grampanchayat , Chapra, Dist.-Nadia (3) DPC-JCI Talma, Dist.- Jaipaiguri and (4) DPC-JCI Dawaguri, Dist.- Coochbehar in association with Jute Corporation of India (JCI).

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More than 2000 hectares of land of jute cultivation have been registered for using IJIRA-SUBHRA in 2017 in five identified jute growing districts. About 1500 field demonstration trials have been identified for IJIRA-SUBHRA in this year.

4. Biochemical Softening of Hard Root Cuttings of Jute for Better Utilization

Commercialization of the technology has been carried out at three jute mills, like Caledonian Jute & Industries Ltd., Birla Jute Mill and Ludlow Jute & Specialities Ltd. Other jute mills like East India Commercial Company, Reliance Jute Mill and North Brook Jute Mill have shown interest to implement the biochemical root softening technology at their mill shop floor.

5. Jute-Thermoplastic Composites for Green Product Development

Pilot scale infrastructure for Jute thermoplastic composite processing has been created under the project. The following machines have been fabricated and installed at IJIRA.

• Laboratory scale (7 Kg batch) Kneader - Extruder • Pilot scale (50 Kg batch) Kneader - Extruder Systems [under installation]

Trial runs are being conducted with different thermoplastic materials like Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP) to make composite granules.

Kneader Extruder machine (7 Kgs)

Installation of Kneader Extruder machine (50 Kgs) Jute-PP moulded chair 11

Jute composite products are being developed with 20% Jute incorporated Polypropylene (PP). Composite chair with Jute- PP has been developed using injection moulding process.

6. Development of Standards for use of Jute Geotextiles (JGTs) in Rural Roads

Pavement models of different compositions varying type of subgrade soil and JGT are continuously being prepared and subsequently kept up to six months under water treatment. Pavement model study is going on using Cyclic Loading Machine under static and dynamic mode. Two types of Jute-PP blended geotextile (plain and twill) have been prepared and those are being subjected to different tests. In-depth study on four types of subgrade soils, like consolidation test, vane shear test, direct shear test, tri-axial test etc are being carried out. A meeting was convened by IJIRA in the Mini Conference Hall, IJIRA on 28.04.2017 to review the laboratory experimental methodology adopted for the project. Shri U.K. Guru Vittal was invited as external expert from CRRI, . The meeting was chaired by Dr. P.K. Banerjee, Ex-Professor, IIT Delhi and Ex-Director, IJIRA. Members of the Project Appraisal Monitoring Committee were also present in the meeting. The meeting was preceded by a visit to the Soil Testing Laboratory, IJIRA where demonstration of Pavement Simulation Testing along with all other soil testing equipment and degradation study of different JGTs in different medium was shown to the Committee members. This was followed by detailed presentations on the project background and activities undertaken so far by Dr. Rao and Dr. Mahuya Ghosh.

Fig.1. Discussion ongoing during the evaluation meeting on 28th April 2017

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Fig.2 Soil Testing Laboratory Visit & Demonstration

Demonstration by Dr. M. Ghosh, Principal Investigator on Pavement Model Test using Cyclic Loading Machine

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Presentation by Dr. G.V. Rao, Project Advisor

7. Development of High Speed Roller Drafting System for Improvement in Jute Drawing Frame Productivity

The fabrication of table top model of Roller Drafting Finisher Drawing frame has been completed and trial runs have been carried out at different speeds of 240 fpm, 270 fpm and 300 fpm. Comparison of yarn parameters from roller drafted sliver vis-a-vis Screw Gill drawn sliver has been carried out. Based on the trial reports, a pilot scale model has been planned with M/s Lagan Engineering Co. Ltd. after suitable design modifications.

8. Jute based Air Filter media having Anti-Microbial & Odour Absorbing Properties

Development of air filter media using nonwoven and woven jute textile is being continued at the laboratory scale. Performance evaluation as per ASTM F 2299 and EN 143 has been carried out.

9. Development of PLA Laminated Jute as Bio-Compostable Packaging Material

700 meter bio-compostable polymer film coated jute textile has been prepared. It was found that the coating was of 80 gm/sq.m. The coated textile was checked for adhesion of the film in contact with water and was found to be intact.

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10. Development of Jute based Textile Preforms and Pultruded Composite Products

Chemically treated jute tape, 6000 m has been prepared as reinforcement for a small scale pultrusion trial. The trial has been conducted and a few pultruded profiles have been prepared.

11. Feasibility Study of Oil-free Processing of Jute Fibres

15 different formulations have been developed using several non-oil-based chemicals and applied onto jute fibre to spin 8 lb/spy jute yarn. Several oil-free formulations tried have yielded quality jute yarn at par with yarn of existing oil-based formulations. Physical properties of oil-free jute yarn made have been studied.

12. Design and Development of Continuous Damping, Calendaring and Cutting Machine for Jute Fabric

After approval of the project, outline of the machine has been worked out in consultation with the approved machinery manufacturer. Detailed break-up of machinery and accessories required for the continuous line has also been worked out. Total cost to be incurred to design and develop a pilot model of the machine has been finalized by the machinery manufacturer and forwarded to the PAMC for approval and go ahead with the finalized design concept.

13. Process Development, Automation and Pilot Scale Manufacturing of Jute Based Low Cost Sanitary Napkins

A novel 100% jute based core material has been developed for making SNs. Final Patent application filed (201631014268 dated 25.4.2016). Seven awareness programmes cum promotional activities on jute based Sanitary Napkins have been carried out among jute mill workers and Women Self Help Groups. An MoA has been signed among IJIRA, Intech Safety Pvt. Ltd. and Birds Jute and Exports Ltd. on commercialization of jute based low cost sanitary napkins. Intech Safety Pvt. Ltd. so far paid to IJIRA Rs. 20 lakh ( 40 %) as technology transfer fee.

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Activities of IJIRA – NERC, Guwahati

1. POWERLOOM SERVICE CENTRE ACTIVITIES

a) “PowerTex India -A Comprehensive Scheme for Powerloom Sector Development launched on 1st April 2017”

PowerTex India -A Comprehensive Scheme for Powerloom Sector Development is being launched by Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani at PSC Bhiwandi, Maharashtra. The new schemes were also launched simultaneously at 47 Powerloom Service Centres including the Powerloom Service Centre run by Indian Jute Industries Research Association at EPIP Campus, Amingaon. The scheme was launched by Shri Bhabesh Kalita, Hon’ble MLA, 57, Rangia Constituency, Kamrup Rural, Assam in the august presence of Shri Mizanur Rahman, Addl. Director, Handloom & Textiles, Govt. of Assam, Shri O.P. Kotnala, Director (I/c), IIHT, Khanapara, Shri Vidyut Dutta, Secretary, ARTFED, Shri Dulal Choudhury, General Secretary, TDPCM, Shri Th. Basanta Singh, Officer in Charge, PSC-IJIRA amongst others at Powerloom Service Centre of IJIRA situated at EPIP Campus, Amingaon, Guwahati.

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b) Launching of BHIM-APP on 14.04.2017 for cashless payments BHARAT INTERFACE FOR MONEY (BHIM), Mobile App. is being downloaded and installed in nos of Mobile Phone by organizing a Camp at “Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association, North Eastern Regional Centre (IJIRA-NERC)” on dated 14.04.2017. All the Participants were taught to install the app. with the help of power point presentation and by showing a short demo using android device as an example. The camp was organized and lead by IJIRA-NERC officials in the presence of students, entrepreneurs, trainees, peoples from locality etc. at Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association, North Eastern Regional Centre (IJIRA-NERC) situated at EPIP Campus, Amingaon, Guwahati.

c) Shri Th. Basanta Singh, Officer in Charge, NERC & PSC, IJIRA attended Meeting of Senior Officers’ of all OICs of Regional Offices of Textile Commissioner / OICs of TxC Powerloom Service Centres and Coordinators TRA Powerloom Service Centres on 22nd April, 2017 (Saturday) at 10.30 Hrs at O/O TxC Headquarters Office Mumbai.

PSC-ACTIVITIES FOR APL TO JUNE 2017

 Technical Consultancy: IJIRA-NERC & PSC had carried out technical consultancy as well as AMC works at Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Guwahati and training on powerloom technology had also been given to the final year students of the said Institute during this period.

 Survey of Powerloom Units: IJIRA-NERC & PSC had carried the survey of 35 numbers of powerloom units available in the North Eastern Region and finding out the products varieties producing by the respective units.

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2. WORK IN PROCESS AT IJIRA-NERC,GUWAHATI

Focussed Incubation Centre (FIC) on Digital Printing:

To set up facilities for digital printing on a wide range for Jute Diversified product, the process for construction of Shed is in progress within the campus. The FIC aims to make the technologies available to small and medium scale Enterprises (SMSE) and to develop cost- effective pre-treatment to improve design sharpness and colour fastness properties.

Services

A. Quality Inspection of B. Twill Jute Bags As an approved Inspection Agency of the Office of the Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, IJIRA is presently carrying out Inspection of B. Twill jute bags for MARKFED-Chhattisgarh, Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation, The Food Corporation of India and Food & Supplies Division, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh.

B. Integrated Scheme for Acquisition of Plant and Machinery (ISAPM) IJIRA continues its work in ISAPM in association with National Jute Board. IJIRA has recently worked for the De-Novo registration of foreign Vendors under ISAPM.

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Other Activities

Technical Lectures IJIRA has been continuing to organise technical lectures on emerging technologies, products, processes, etc. for jute sector. The details of topics have been presented during April 2017 to June 2017 are available on the web site of IJIRA (www.ijira.org).

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Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association 17, Taratala Road, Kolkata – 700088 Tel : +91 33 66269200/29/41, Fax : +91 33 66269204 / 227, E-mail : [email protected], Web : www.ijira.org

JUTE IS ECO – FRIENDLY AND RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY

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