No longer does (he traditional, century-old idea of jute serving only as a packing material hold good, rather It is time this changed and changed to keep pace with the developments taking place. The cash crop's multifarious uses, still unknown to many should be made public. Because now jute has been responsible for developing a totally new concept, with its sphere expanded to a number of diversified areas. various accessories needed for daily life can very decoratively be made from jute. Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) a pioneer jute goods manufacturer and supplier is working tirelessly to upgrade jute products and introduce the golden fibre, in a whole lot of different shapes, to the local consumers.

The natural, lustrous. meshy network of this fibre can easily be blended with other man-made synthetic fibres. This quality in jute gives it a leap forward, because almost all, {iroducts starting . rom furniture to toys to garments can be manufactured from it. BJMC's display centre in Motijhecl is exhibiting all such products, traditional to recent additions. The positive transformation, diversity, in the jute sector can easily be discerned. It's a mini world, within its own parameter.

"Jute can cover you from head to toe and our main objective at the display centre is to attract and encourage small handicraft entrepreneurs to take part in this jute revolution,' Belal Beg the PRO of BJMC said.

"It's our materials, designs, (for which we appoint professional designers) samples, and their labour only. We have carried out research, experimented, tested and tried all products in the local market as well in foreign markets. Their response was good. Jute felt, door mats. bags, shawls, coats, carpets, toys, chairs, tables, Just name it, we've tried everything. Rayon, cotton, plastic, blended with Jute fibre has added a new dimension in the Jute sector. With the right kind of exposure. Jute could now encompass your entire life," he informed.

Over the last two decades synthetic petrochemical-based substitutes have replaced, natural lute. Nowadays the traditional Jute bags for dally bazaar (shopping) or ropes have been completely pushed out by polythene bags and nylon ropes. These not only hamper the Jute market, but also pose a threat to environment. The use of synthetic substitutes is directly related to environmental pollution and even ecological Imbalance. Polypropylene synthetic fibres have an increasing demand and thus becomes the cause of petro-chemical hazards to environment

Jute being natural, has no adverse effect on environment It is still incomparable, having many advantages over man-made fibre.

Bio-degradable, organically perishable. it replenishes the earth with invaluable productive nutrients. Environmentally friendly, Jute is non-pollutant It produces no toxic gases or harmful chemicals as byproducts. It emits the same fame as burning wood which is not dangerous. Jute can also be used as geo-textile and soil saver for erosion control.

Besides all these qualities, it can extend .5 per cent to its stable form and give a wonderful dimensional stability. It is hygroscopic and aer-iferous and permits normal breathing. humidity to the contents and ensures their storage without deterioration. Its hairy surface gives it a capacity to grip any surface it comes in contact with. Above all it beautifies the earth with vege-tation and can prevent further climatic damage.

With all these rich qualities Jute should reign the market: Instead it became a 'polythene world'. A simple example, should give a clear picture and an understanding why the nature's gift is unmatched. Nursery pots — a sapling, in any nursery or at home, is first planted in a polythene bag. Instead of this, a Jute bag could be used, it is thin, light, porous allows space for growth, the roots could come out as desired. And while planting it could be placed in the soil. Without disturbing the sapling's growth. The pot rots and gives a natural fertilizer.

Jute also provides valuable by-products. For each ton of jute fibre harvested, upto two tons of jute sticks are produced. These are extensively used for rural fences, walls for low cost housing and also as essential cooking fuel. Further more, the tender leaves of the jute plant provide edible food.

Jute has now broken the traditional concept, its new usage should be properly promoted to give ft a further chance for realisation of Its potential.