A Just-concluded workshop on Jute has urged the government to set up a Jute Commission and formulate a Jute policy based on Its recommendations. reports UNB.

The commission should include experts, government officials and representatives of all those engaged In the production and t rading of jute.

It suggested, in order to carry, out the proposed lute policy a permanent 'Jute Commissioner' should be appointed.

The workshop has also recommended diversified use of natural fibres like Jute and Kenaf instead of artificial fibres to avoid environmental hazard.

The participants In the workshop suggested that permission for new polythene In dustries should be controlled to check environmental pollution

They said the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute and

other research organisations working for jute sector should

jute retting method tn close cooperation with the Department of Environment.

Other research activities, they said, should include identification of high-yielding Jute seeds, alternative uses of jute and Jute products and low-cost processing technologies.

they suggested that public awareness for Increased use of jute products should be created and government should encourage use of Jute products like curtain, carpet or mat tn the offices and jute blankets in "“A'S recommendations of the workshop are:

(1) Jute and jute cuttings should be used as raw material for production of pulp and all grades of paper including packing material. In thia respect. further technological and economic studies should be undertaken without delay.

(2) Price stabilization is essential to safeguard farmers Interest. Built-in mechanism should be developed for timely bank loan but with proper financial discipline.

(3) Further promotional activities for the safe of Jute and Jute goods should be undertaken both at home and

(4) Jute research should be strengthened and one per cent earning from Jute and Jute goods should be earmarked for research and extension work.

(5) Government should take steps to make relevant facts on Jute known to all through vari-

About 60 delegates from different organisations participated In the day-long workshop held at BARC Tuesday.

It was co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC). Bangladesh and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council.