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A range of jute products on display

Jute is simply beautiful. If you want to get convinced, walk in to the jute fair being held at A.J. Hall at Kaloor.

Entrepreneurs from Kerala to West Bengal have lined up an exquisite collection of jute products at the venue.

Organised by the Jute Manufacturers' Development Council and the National Centre for Jute Diversification, the fair is a treat for those in search of environment-friendly products made of natural fibre. Jute rags, carpets, bags, curtains, footwear, jewellery, flowers, greetings cards ... the list is long.

N. Anarkali, leader of the Vetri Women Self-Help Group, has come from Coimbatore with her collections. "Our chocolate bags made of jute are a big hit. Priced at Rs. 5, these bags are used during marriages and birthday parties. For marriages, we used to supply thousands of these type of bags," she adds.

Ms. Anarkali has the support of 12 women in a venture based in Coimbatore. "From college bags to special orders for corporates, we have been able to make a living by producing jute-based products. The Government also helps us by providing financial assistance," she says.

Jute bags occupy a major space at the fair. From Kolkata, Madhumita Handicrafts has brought a range of bags. "We have bags priced between Rs. 5 and Rs. 150," says Rana Dutta of the group. "Nearly 285 varieties of bags are produced by us. We have brought only 50 of the total collections here," he adds.

Sanu of Koncherry Coir Factories in Cherthala says that people here have developed a particular liking for jute-based products. "We have regular customers who ask for specific jute products while visiting the fair," he says.

Gautam has come from Kolkata with items such as jute curtains and chairs. He is representing Baishakhi Jute Handicrafts. "We have jute curtains priced between Rs. 350 and Rs. 400. Chairs made of jute are available in the range of Rs. 250 to Rs. 950," he says.

Kolkata has a big population engaged in manufacturing of jute products. Kamal Hussain, representing Sarkar Jute Crafts, says that jute provides employment to several people in his area. "Bags made of jute and cane are our speciality. These items are priced between Rs. 110 and Rs. 150," he says.

The fair will be on till September 3.

G. Krishnakumar

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