Jute, often called “Bangladesh’s Golden Fibre,” is a biodegradable, renewable, and versatile natural fibre historically central to the country’s economy. While Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest producer of raw jute, the value-added jute sector remains underdeveloped, especially in rural regions like North Bengal (Rangpur, Dinajpur, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat, and Gaibandha).

Jute farmers in North Bengal face issues like:

• Poor fibre quality due to outdated retting methods
• Limited access to modern machinery
• Low-value raw material markets
• Lack of innovation in jute-based products

This concept proposes a sustainable, high-value jute fibre development initiative in North Bengal to upgrade the supply chain, introduce new product lines, and unlock export opportunities.

Vision:

To transform North Bengal into a center of excellence for value-added jute fibre products through sustainable innovation, rural enterprise development, and global market integration.

Objectives:

• Improve jute fibre quality and production practices through modern techniques.
• Establish local jute processing and product development hubs.
• Create green jobs in jute-based cottage industries and small enterprises.
• Promote jute as an eco-alternative to plastic and synthetic materials globally.

Fibre Production Enhancement:

• Introduce ribbon retting and water tank retting to reduce environmental impact.
• Train farmers on best practices for harvesting, retting, and drying.
• Distribute high-yield jute seed varieties and organic pest control solutions.

Value-Added Processing:

• Set up mini jute mills or decentralized processing units.
• Promote small-scale production of.
• Jute yarn and blended textiles
• Biodegradable bags and packaging
• Home décor (rugs, wall hangings)
• Geotextiles and agro-mulch

Entrepreneurship & Community Engagement:

• Support local women and youth with skill development in jute crafting.
• Establish producer cooperatives and micro-enterprises.
• Offer business training and micro-loans for small jute product startups.

Market Linkage & Export Development:

• Create a regional jute brand: “Golden North”.
• Partner with eco-conscious buyers in Europe, Japan, and the Middle East.
• Participate in global green product expos and fairs

Target Area: North Bengal Districts:

• Core districts: Rangpur, Dinajpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram.
• Secondary districts: Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, Panchagarh.
• Chosen for: jute-growing tradition, water access, and skilled rural labor