CHENNAI : There is a misconception that jute fibre is fit only for making gunny bags. But, it has been dispelled by the Jute Manufacturers Development Council, which showcased diversified products at a fair here on Monday.

A variety of jute products such as handicraft, jewellery, dolls, fancy bags, gift articles wall hangings, soft luggage, home textiles and made ups are on display at the fair declared open by State Secretary of Handlooms, Handicrafts, and Khadi A.Elangovan here.

The aim of the fair was to create awareness among the public about new facets of jute products, said T.Ayyappan, Marketing Promotion Officer of the council.

Jute product manufacturers from all over the country, including 15 from Tamil Nadu are participating in the six-day fair, which concludes on January 15.

Sarees and churidar materials, made by handloom weavers of Anakaputhur, near Pallavaram, using jute fibre mixed with cotton, silk and banana fibre are on display.

While saree prices range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 900, a churidar set would cost Rs. 350.

A seminar on "new avenues of eco-friendly jute products would be organised in association with Tamil Nadu Pollution Board on January 12, besides an awareness rally to be taken by students on the same day.

Meanwhile, jute saree manufacturers in Anakaputhur in a memorandum to the State demanded a grant for setting up house-cum-workshed in the village.

Jute cluster

They said there were 30 weavers in the village who were making jute sarees.

They wanted to form a cluster to avail themselves of the various benefits available to cluster units.

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