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From the Desk of the Director
The first quarter of this new year of 2017 has become
highly eventful for IJIRA.
IJIRA has successfully organized the 26th Technological
Conference on 1st March after a long gap of 14 years.
The programme has been inaugurated by Shri A.
Madhukumar Reddy, Hon’ble Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. Several
eminent personalities from Jute Industry along with distinguished scientists of
IJIRA delivered lectures. A session of brainstorming has been hosted regarding
the technical issues being faced by the industry. Reputed companies have
exhibited their products in respective stalls there.
The last trimester has been significant for IJIRA as four new R&D projects
have been approved by the Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India and the institute
has promptly initiated the R&D works. Previous projects have started showing
good results.
A delegation from Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) of the
Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh visited IJIRA on 20th
March
2017 during the study tour on best practice of jute production, diversification
and technology. Another high level delegation of 16 members from National
Defense College led by Mr. Anwar Haleem, IFS, Joint Secretary; Ministry of
External Affairs visited IJIRA on 21st March 2017.
IJIRA has transferred its proven technologies to several jute mills in last
quarter. Among all the technologies, softening of hard root cuttings using
microbial formulation has been hugely successful and adopted by several mills.
Moreover, IJIRA is also involved in mill level group studies to identify reason
for low productivity and providing solutions thereof.
Lastly I thank the Editorial Board for its effort to bring out this edition of IJIRA
Newsletter in time. I hope that the readers will find this Newsletter interesting
and informative. Nonetheless I will welcome any positive
suggestions/comments and constructive criticism too which will help us to do
better.
Dr. U.S. Sarma
Director, IJIRA
In this issue
26th Technological Conference
of IJIRA
Activities of IJIRA as CoE
Ongoing R&D Activities
Activities of IJIRA - NERC
Services
Other Activities
Special Visits
Meetings & Summits
Editorial Board
Dr. S.K. Chakrabarti
Dr. Md. S. Rahman
Shri Koushik Das
Shri Palash Paul
Shri Ritwik Chakraborty
Vol. 9, Issue No. 1, March 2017
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The 26th
Techological Conference of IJIRA on “New Developments and Future Strategy for Jute
Industry” has been held on 1st March, 2017 at IJIRA Auditorium Hall. After a long gap of 14 years, IJIRA
has resumed organizing its technological conference with support from the Govt. of India and the entire
jute sector. The sub-themese of the technological conference have been –
Current challenges of Jute Industry
Potential applications of jute fibres in technical textiles
Jute fibre upgradation and its optimum utilization
Process control and quality assurance in Jute mills
Moisture management in Jute processing
Waste management in Jute industry
Development of high productive machinery for Jute sector
Jute fibre based nonwoven for various end uses
Shri A. Madhukumar Reddy, Joint Secretary (Jute) & Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of
India has graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Shri Arvind Kumar M, Secretary, National Jute Board
has been the Guest-of-Honour. Dr. K.V.R. Murthy, CMD, The Jute Corporation of India, Shri Arun
Kumar Lohia, Chairman, IJIRA, Shri Raghavendra Gupta, Chairman, Indian Jute Mills Association and
many other dignitaries have graced the occasion.
26th Technological Conference of IJIRA
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There have been two technical session in the conference followed by a panel discussion. A total of eleven
technical papers have presented by IJIRA Scientists and Technologists as well as Industry representatives
during the technical sessions. Aproximately three hundreds of technocrats/industry representatives have
actively perticipated in the day long conference. Apart from the technical papers, one machinery
manufacture and two fibre lubricant producers also delivered lecture before the house.
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Apart from the technological conference, IJIRA has also fecilited machinery manufacturers and spare
parts manufacturers to exhibit their products for the jute industry. A total of fourteen stalls have been
placed by various manufacturers during this occasion.
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The proceeding of the 26th Technological Conference will be served shortly.
As Centre of Excelence in Jute Goetextiles under the scheme for promotion of Geotechnical Textiles in
the NER, IJIRA has carried out numerous activities for promotion of JGT in the NERC. The details of the
projects undertaken vis-à-vis requirement of JGT are given below –
A. Details of Projects and JGT Requirements
Projects Status Approved Project JGT Cost Component
Approved projects by the Ministry of Textiles
(MoT), GOI 11 numbers Rs. 2,33,50,200/-
Approved projects by SLCC and pending for
approval of MoT 23 numbers Rs. 3,76,90,000/-
Approved projects by SLCC for TEV studies
and DPR 2 preparation 38 numbers Rs. 5,63,94,632/-
IJIRA (CoE) Initiatives for Use of Jute Geotextiles in NER
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B. Techno Economic Viability (TEV) Study in Manipur
TEV for 15 Slope Stabilization projects under Forest Department, Manipur in 06 Districts has been
carried out and DPR II preparation has been completed in the month of January and February 2017 where
the DPR II are to be placed in next SLCC for recommendation to MoT.
Few of the site photographs taken during TEV studies of the Slope stabilization projects
C. Participation in Curtain raiser of Technotex 2017
IJIRA has put up a stall during the program of Curtain raiser of Technotex 2017 on Technical Textiles at
Federation House, FICCI, New Delhi on 17th
January 2017 displaying various activities as CoE along
with different Jute Geotextiles products, display banners, brochures/leaflets on case studies, literature,
books etc. The program has been presided over by Smt Smriti Zubin Irani, Hon’ble Union Minister of
Textiles, Government of India.
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Visit of Hon’ble Union Minister of Textiles, Government of India at the IJIRA stall, curtain raiser
of Technotex 2017, New Delhi
D. Visit by Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles
Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta, along with senior delegates visited IJIRA-NERC
on 17th January 2017 where interactions have been held with Artisans on JDP and Ready Made Garment.
Hon’ble Minister of State was briefed about the completed R & D project of Natural dying of Textiles and
Clothing sector with dyes from the plants of North Eastern Region for the benefit of the dyers, weavers.
Demonstration of JGT and IJIRA CoE activities has also been explained to him. Live samples of various
types of Jute Geotextiles (JGT) have also been showcased during his visit.
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Random shots during the visit
Presently IJIRA is carrying out twelve R&D projects; eleven sponsored by the Ministry of
Textiles, Govt. of India and one sponsored by the National Jute Board. Followings are the project-
wise activities being carried out so far –
A. Design and Development of 50 kg Capacity Jute Bags considering Threshold Mechanical
Properties and Physical Parameters
Under this project relation between yarn strength and fabric strength, actual cover factor and
theoretical cover factor, economic bag dimension have been established through laboratory
studies. Considering the outcome of the studies, Type A and Type B bags of 545 g/bag have been
developed. As per the recommendation of the Project Monitoring Committee, efforts are now
being made for development of plain woven sacking bags. Re-examination of threshold breaking
strengths are also undergoing currently.
B. Utilization of Jute Sticks & Jute Waste for Extraction of Value added Chemicals for
Industrial uses
Ongoing R&D Activities of IJIRA
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Jute stick is the woody portion of jute plant. Jute stick contains considerable amount of cellulose
with lignin and hemicelluloses. Therefore, it is a potential raw material for biomass-based ethanol
production. Bioethanol can be used as fuel with significant characteristics like high octane
number, low cetane number and high heat of vaporization
Fermentation of sugars from lignocelluloses has been proposed as a viable pathway for the
production of renewable biofuels to supplement petro-fuels for sustainable economic development.
Jute sticks are subjected to dilute acid hydrolysis followed by fermentation of the sugars liberated
to produced ethanol. Following process has been adopted for extraction of bioethanol from jute
sticks/waste –
C. Biochemical Softening of Hard Root Cuttings of Jute for Better Utilization
Successful shop floor trials have been carried out in five Jute mills. 15% softened root cutting of
jute has been incorporated in sacking warp (10-13 lbs/spy) with substantial reduction in batch cost.
Commercialization of this biochemical root softening process has been continuing at Birla Jute
Mill & Ludlow Jute & Specialties Ltd.
D. Jute-Thermoplastic Composites for Green Product Development
A 7 KG capacity Kneader-Extruder machine has been installed for preparation of jute-
thermoplastic composites. Loom caddies are being used for experimentations. Thermoplastics
namely, Polypropylene and High Density Polyethylene are being attempted.
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Kneader extruder machine and the Jute-thermoplastic granules prepared
E. Development of Standards for use of Jute Geotextiles (JGTs) in Rural Roads
Laboratory Performance of Pavement Sections with Jute Geotextiles
Fabrication of Pavement Model Tanks
Two types of several numbers of tanks have been fabricated in which pavement models are being
prepared, viz.
a) Transparent plastic tanks for hand-compacted subgrade in model.
b) Stain-less steel (SS) tank for mechanically compacted subgrade in model.
These can be suitably mounted on the loading platform of the cyclic loading apparatus.
Setting of Cyclic Loading Machine to start a test
through Computer Interfacing
Cyclic/ static Load being imparted
Soils being used for preparation of the subgrade layer of the pavement models are Kolkata Silty
Soil, Guwahati Lateritic Soil and Andhra Pradesh Black Cotton Soil. Modeled WMM layer is
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being prepared either directly on top of the subgrade layer (control pavement model) or placing a
suitable geotextile at the interface (geotextile embedded pavement model).
Some model tanks are being kept under required surcharge loads and saturated condition for
longer time duration (say 1 month up to 6 months).
Testing of pavement models in Cyclic Loading Machine
Static and cyclic tests on pavement model tanks of different compositions are being carried out
presently.
Static Test Results: Typical plots of load versus displacement for the following pavement model
compositions have been shown in Figure.
Local Soil (Kolkata Silty soil) subgrade + WMM - control
Local Soil (Kolkata Silty soil) subgrade + WMM + JGT
Typical plots on static loading tests on pavement models
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Local Soil 75mm WMM Local Soil 75mm WMM+JGT (19.2% WC)
Displacement (mm)
Lo
ad
(kN
)
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It is clear from the Figure 27 that JGT has enhanced peak load of the pavement model by more
than 2 times.
Degradability Study on different JGTs in different medium
To study degradation behavior of JGTs in different mediums with time, an experimental test series
has been planned and is being carried out by embedding JGTs in different types of fully saturated
soils, submerging under water and keeping in ambient condition for different durations. Residual
strength percentage with different time durations is being determined by testing the tensile
strengths of control JGTs and exhumed/ or treated JGTs. Degradation behavior results so far been
achieved is up to six months. It has been observed that degradation of untreated JGT is highest in
Andhra Pradesh Black Cotton soil whereas it is least in Guwahati Lateritic soil.
F. Development of High Speed Roller Drafting System for Improvement in Jute Drawing
Frame Productivity
The fabrication part for the table top model of 4 over 4 Roller Drafting system has been done
The trial run with the table top model for standardisation of machine parameters is in progress
Comparison of yarn parameters from roller drafted sliver vis-a-vis Screw Gill drawn sliver has
been concluded and the data analysis is going on presently.
G. Jute based Air Filter media having Anti-Microbial & Odour Absorbing Properties
The objective of the project is to use jute nonwoven as textile substrate for filtration application.
Such filter media is expected to replace synthetic filter media as eco-responsible alternative.
H. Development of PLA Laminated Jute as Bio-Compostable Packaging Material
PP or HDPE/LDPE laminated jute fabric is being produced at commercial scale. Since
hydrocarbon based products are used, such jute laminated products are not completely bio-
compostable. The objective of the project is to replace the hydrocarbon based film former by a
bio-compostable polymeric material.
I. Development of Jute based Textile Preforms and Pultruded Composite Products
Pultrusion is a common manufacturing process of composite production. Jute tape prepared by
treating jute sliver has been intended to use as reinforcement for making pultruded composite
materials.
J. Feasibility Study of Oil-free Processing of Jute Fibres
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The project has started in January, 2017 to assess the feasibility of an alternate processing
technology of jute without using oils. Review of literature and procurement of CAPEX items are in
progress.
K. Design and Development of Continuous Damping, Calendaring and Cutting Machine for
Jute Fabric
Various sequences of operation for the continuous line have been conceptualized in consultation
with machinery manufacturer. The engineering design of the continuous line is under progress. The
prototype development will be commenced shortly.
L. Process Development, Automation and Pilot Scale Manufacturing of Jute Based Low Cost
Sanitary Napkins
Production of jute based core material for making Sanitary Napkin has been continuing at IJIRA
Chemical processing pilot plant (8.0 kg/day). Jute based pulp for Sanitary Napkins are being
dispatched to various WSHG.
A. Powerloom Service Centre (PSC) - Activities
Technical Consultancy: IJIRA-NERC & PSC has carried out technical consultancy as well as
AMC works at Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Guwahati and training on powerloom
technology has also been given to the final year student of the said Institute during this period.
Group Insurance Scheme (GIS )
134 powerloom weavers / workers have been enrolled under Group Insurance Scheme in the
decentralized powerloom Industry in NER.
Seminar/workshop & Exposure Visit program :
IJIRA-NERC&PSC in association with Regional office of the Textile Commissioner, Kolkata
have conducted three seminar programs on “Schemes / Initiatives of Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of
India for the development of decentralized Powerloom Sector in the North East Region”.
a) Guwahati, Assam on 12th January 2017
b) Shillong, Meghalaya on 13th February 2017
c) Aizawl, Mizoram on 29th
March 2017
Activities of IJIRA – NERC, Guwahati
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Snap shot of Seminar under Powerloom Service Centre activities
IJIRA-NERC&PSC, Guwahati has conducted one Exposure visit program to Navadwip in West Bengal
with Weavers/ Entrepreneurs from NER under the Integrated scheme for Powerloom Sector Development
(ISPSD).
B. Focused Incubation Centre (FIC) on Digital Printing
To set up facilities for digital printing on a wide range for Jute Diversified product, the process for
construction of Shed is in process within the campus. These FIC aims to make the technologies available
to small and medium scale Enterprises (SMSE) and to develop cost-effective coating technology to
improve design sharpness and colour fastness properties.
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C. Jute Raw Material Bank (JRMB)
IJIRA and National Jute Board had executed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for operating of Jute
Raw Material Bank Scheme (JRMB) at North East Regional Centre of Indian Jute Industries Research
Association, EPIP Campus, Amingaon, Assam. Procurement of Material is under process.
D. IJIRA at North East Textile Summit, Shillong
Dr. U. S. Sarma, Director, IJIRA along with Sh. Arvind Kumar, Secretary , National Jute Board, Shri Th.
Basanta Singh, Officer in Charge, IJIRA-NERC, Guwahati and Shri Arup Kumar Haloi, Technical
Officer, IJIRA – NERC, Guwahati have attended the North East Textile Summit, Shillong held from 29th
to 30th January 2017 at State Convention Centre, Pinwood Hotel Shillong.
The Union Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the 1st North East Investors’ Summit,
organized jointly by the Ministry of Textiles and the Ministry of DoNER, at the State Convention Centre,
in Shillong on 29th January 2017.
On the first day, the Union Textiles Minister, Smti Smriti Zubin Irani, along with the Chief Minister of
Meghalaya, Dr. Mukul Sangma and Union MoS for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju inaugurated a
Textiles Exhibition at State Convention Centre, Shillong.
Presentation on IJIRA activities and also on Infrastructure Challenges of NER with remedies using Jute
Geotextiles has been delivered by Dr. U. S. Sarma, Director, IJIRA on the second day of the program.
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A. Quality Inspection of B. Twill Jute Bags
As an approved Inspection Agency of the Office of the Jute Commissioner, Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of
India, IJIRA is presently carrying out Inspection of B. Twill jute bags for MARKFED-Chhattisgarh,
Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation, The Food Corporation of
India and Food & Supplies Division, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh
B. Integrated Scheme for Acquisition of Plant and Machinery (ISAPM)
IJIRA continues its work in ISAPM in association with National Jute Board. IJIRA is recently working
for the De-Novo registration of foreign Vendors under ISAPM.
Technical Lectures
IJIRA has been continuing to organise technical lectures on emerging technologies, products, processes,
etc. for jute sector. The details of topics have been presented during January 2017 to March 2017 are
available on the web site of IJIRA (www.ijira.org).
Services
Other Activities
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1. National Defence College Team
A team of 16 members led by Mr. Anwar Haleem, IFS, Joint Secretary; Ministry of External
Affairs (Foreign Service) have visited IJIRA on 21st March 2017. An interactive meeting was
organized in the IJIRA Conference Room. A detailed presentation was made before the team on
IJIRA’s various activities and its future endeavor.
2. Bangladesh Delegation
A team of 13 officials from the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) of the Government of
The People’s Republic of Bangladesh have visited IJIRA on 20th
March 2017. A presentation has
been made before the team on various research activities of IJIRA.
3. Interactive Meet with Cheviot Co. Ltd.
A team of 7 members led by Shri Utkarsh Kanoria, President, Cheviot Jute Co. Ltd. have visited
IJIRA on 28th
March 2017. After a brief presentation on current ongoing projects of IJIRA, an
interactive session of question and answers has been held. The personnel from Cheviot Co. Ltd.
have suggested IJIRA to give more emphasize on the development of machinery and its parts and
automation in jute industry.
198th
IJIRA’s Council Meeting was held on 24th March, 2017 at IJIRA.
Special Visits
Important News
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Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association 17, Taratala Road, Kolkata – 700088
Tel : +91 33 66269200/29/41, Fax : +91 33 66269204 / 227, E-mail : [email protected], Web : www.ijira.org
JUTE IS ECO – FRIENDLY AND RENEWABLE SOURCE OF ENERGY