TRICHY: In the wake of the drastic reduction in the usage and circulation of plastic carry bags after the government banned 14 types of single-use plastic products, Trichy City Corporation has conducted a public awareness programme at Thevar Hall in the city on jute bags. Self Help Groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, and traders who had extensively used plastic carry bags were explained about the schemes and incentives to produce and market various types of eco-friendly jute bags.The civic body organized the training programme on Monday in associating with the National Jute Board (NJB) under the Union ministry of textiles to promote the production of jute bags locally. Stating that the production units can be started with investments from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, NJB officials said that apart from addressing the local demand, the entrepreneurs can eye the international market where jute-based value-added products have a lucrative market. "Average stitching skill and a heavy duty sewing machine are the requirements for starting a jute bag production unit," T Ayyappan, deputy director, National Jute Board, Chennai said. Besides bags, participants were also briefed about the production of jewellery and letter stands.As jute has got high tensile strength than plastic and paper, participants were informed that bags made of jute fabrics are durable and serviceable though the jute based bags are expensive. The board explained about the support mechanism including subsidy, technical assistance, and financial support such as sponsoring 50% of the expense in participating in the international exhibitions to market jute diversified products. "The event organised to promote eco-friendly products from jute is first of its kind in Trichy. We have more such plans to help traders and local people to find suitable and environment-friendly alternatives to avoid the usage of plastic products," N Ravichandran, commissioner, Trichy City Corporation said. The civic body also informed the visitors including traders that shops found circulating and selling the banned plastic products will be penalised. National jute board officials requested the aspiring entrepreneurs to avail more details from indianjute.blogspot.com.

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