3 January 2026, Kolkata
ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata, today inaugurated the National Natural Fibre Festival (NNFF)–2026, coinciding with the 88th Foundation Day of the Institute at its campus. The landmark event marked an important milestone in strengthening research, innovation, and outreach initiatives in the domain of natural fibres.
The inaugural programme was graced by Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary (DARE) and Financial Advisor, ICAR, as the Chief Guest. The event was further honoured by the presence of several eminent dignitaries as Guests of Honour, including Dr. K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (PE); Dr. B.K. Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat; Dr. B.K. Das, Director, ICAR–CIFRI, Barrackpore; Dr. G. Kar, Director, ICAR–CRIJAF, Barrackpore; Dr. Mihir Sarkar, Director, ICAR–National Research Centre on Yak, Arunachal Pradesh; and Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR–ATARI, Kolkata.
In his keynote address, Shri Sandeep Sarkar underscored India’s leadership in global natural fibre production. He congratulated the scientists of ICAR–NINFET for their outstanding contributions and stressed the need to popularize indigenous technologies on international agricultural platforms.
Dr. B.K. Deka advocated the replacement of plastic mulching with natural fibre–based alternatives and highlighted fibre extraction from unused plant leaves, such as pineapple, as a revolutionary concept. He also expressed keen interest in collaborative research initiatives in this area.
Dr. K. Narsaiah, emphasized blended fibre technologies, value addition, and diversification.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. D.B. Shakyawar, Director, ICAR–NINFET, warmly welcomed the dignitaries, participants, and members of the organizing committee. He highlighted the Institute’s significant achievements over the past year and emphasized the importance of adopting emerging and innovative technologies to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable livelihoods for the farming community.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. B.K. Das highlighted the growing interest in natural fibre–based agriculture and allied sectors, emphasizing research linkages with prebiotic and probiotic applications.
Dr. G. Kar described jute as the “golden fibre,” highlighting its pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints and strengthening the national economy.
Further deliberations included Dr. Mihir Sarkar, who highlighted the future potential of animal and natural fibre–blended products; and Dr. Pradip Dey, who stressed ICAR–NINFET’s critical role in post-harvest technologies and assured strong support for technology dissemination through the KVK network.
The event also witnessed the release of documentary films, scientific publications, and the ICAR–NINFET Annual Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in the field.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, the 6th National Conference on “Innovations in Natural Fibres in the Context of Industry and Agriculture 5.0” was also inaugurated. The conference has attracted 97 participants from across the country and features 86 oral and poster presentations, focusing on advancements, future strategies, mechanization, processing, value addition, and value chain management of natural fibres.
(Source: ICAR–National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata)
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