While presiding over a high-level meeting regarding production and industrial use of natural fiber on Monday late evening, Chief Minister Harish Rawat directed the officials concerned to pay special attention in linking rural economy with the production and marketing of natural fiber.
He also said that they might seek technical assistance from GB Pant Agriculture University, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry Bharsar and textile specialists from IIT Delhi to take things forward. He also directed them to establish processing and finishing centers along with fiber cells for Bamboo Board.
During the meeting, CM Rawat said that the State government will help the producers in buying their products and to link the rural economy with the natural fiber business. He also directed NABARD, Cooperative and Rural Banks to provide financial assistance to the farmers at cheap interest rates. The guarantee will be given by the State government, he said.
CM directed the people concerned to develop its marketing culture. He said that maximum finishing centers should be established in natural fiber producing areas for Kandali, industrial Bhang, Bheemal, Rambans and Bhawarghas. Technical skill must be developed to produce maximum fiber with less effort, he said.
CM also directed MSME to do the marketing under Himadri to encourage the producers. He stressed on these products be encouraged through banning plastic in religious sites. He also asked JICA and IFed to help them. He asked them to develop cluster of natural fiber in Garhwal and Kumaon regions separately.
“By attaching with local markets, we can lure more and more people to its production. We should also do research on what we can do with natural fiber. By banning use of plastic at religious places, we can promote locally produced items as the replacement,” CM said.
The Cabinet minister Harish chandra Durgapal, chief principal secretary Rakesh Sharma, principal secretary, finance secretary Amit Negi and managing director Industry Sudhir Nautiyal were among others present on the occasion.