ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore Organizes Basic Skill Development Training on Making of Jute Bags for Rural Women

29 May 2026, Barrackpore, West Bengal

ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata organized a Basic Skill Development Training on Making of Jute Bags for rural women from Amdanga and Barasat-I blocks of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The training programme was conducted at the Institute’s Skill Development Hall from 15 to 29 May 2026 under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) Programme 2026–27.

The primary objective of the training was to provide participants with hands-on experience in the production of cost-effective jute bags and equip them with the necessary technical skills to generate supplementary income through the manufacture and marketing of jute-based products. The programme aimed at empowering rural women by enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities through value addition in jute.

During the training, the participants received both theoretical and practical exposure under the guidance of a well-trained Master Trainer. They acquired basic skills in designing and manufacturing a range of cost-friendly jute products, including shopping bags, Shantiniketani bags, coin bags, and sling bags. The trainees were encouraged to continue practicing and refining their newly acquired skills to improve product quality and expand their market potential.

The programme was organized under the guidance and supervision of Dr Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, with the objective of empowering farm women through skill development in value-added jute products and creating avenues for off-farm income generation.

Addressing the valedictory session as the Chief Guest, Dr Rakesh Chandra Agrawal, Former Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, encouraged the trainees to develop innovative designs and product variations to enhance the attractiveness and marketability of jute bags. He appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CRIJAF in promoting rural women’s empowerment through capacity building and skill development in jute-diversified products.

During the valedictory programme, Dr Kar, interacted with each participant and emphasized the importance of effective marketing strategies for the jute products developed by them. He highlighted the significance of such skill development programmes in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through the production of value-added jute diversified products.

A total of 15 Scheduled Caste women participated in the training programme. The initiative is expected to strengthen the technical capabilities of the participants and support their socio-economic empowerment through entrepreneurship based on eco-friendly jute products.

(Source: ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore, Kolkata)