Despite the fact that, both culturally and historically, Jute was the biggest industry in the country, the industry has declined after the Liberation war due to abundant reasons. The astonishing factor is, scientists are suggesting to inaugurate something new that would substitute plastic, while once plastic was the main reason behind the extinction of the Jute industry in Bangladesh.
At present, ‘Sonali Bag’ or ‘Golden Bag’ made of Jute is creating a new aspiration that would be used as an alternative to plastic bags not only in Bangladesh but also in many other countries of the world. Since 1950, approximately 8 billion tons of plastic have been produced till now and the awful part is, only 9% of the plastics are managed to recycle. And therefore, to provide an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, scientists from China, India, USA are frequently working in this field to avoid uncertainty in the near future.
Although there are so many types of Jutes that are cultivated by the farmers in the country, the most beneficial Jute that would create new hope in the current scenario is Tossa Jute (Corchorus Olitorius). Tossa Jute is usually cultivated in the Pabna region of Bangladesh and is extremely fruitful for making shopping bags that are environmentally friendly. Hence, there is no scope to underestimate this variant of Jute as scientists are desperately looking for environmentally friendly shopping bags that would eradicate the usage of plastic or polythene shopping bags from the market.
While in the present situation, the economy of Bangladesh is highly dependent on the RMG sector, it is high time, economists, as well as the government of the country, should be concerned regarding the Jute industry that would not only help the economy but also help the ecosystem. While facing various crises, the Jute industry in the country is still providing the livelihood of more than 2 lakh mill workers as well as many jute farmers are living with this natural golden root.
With great enthusiasm, the developed countries of the world are looking for a substitute for plastic in the current scenario and hence, Jute production in Bangladesh can work as a torchbearer.
Abu Saleh Md Sakib is a Student of North South University. Reach out to him at [email protected]