Master weavers from across the country have put up their exhibits in 23 stalls at the ‘Jute Air’ exhibition facilitated by National Jute Board, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Textiles of India that began at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan, on Friday.

The natural yarn of jute in varied shapes and forms met the eyes at ‘Jute Air’ exhibition with entrepreneurs and direct manufacturers from different places like Srikakulam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and other regions up with their exhibits

The expo features a wide range of home furnishing, attractive jute jewellery, eco-friendly wall hangings, jute bags in diverse sizes, table mats, wallets, showpieces, swings and several other products. Those who want to check out on jute sandals, the venue offers a colourful selection of flip-flops. Some of the wall hangings also have a subtle blend of appliqué work with beads and embroidery embedded in them.

Additional Joint Collector Y. Narasimha Rao, who inaugurated the expo, said that the products displayed have gone through a refined metamorphosis compared to last year. The hand woven crafts are neat and elegant that suits the taste of the present generation. The recent introduction of GO 101, which came into existence this year, facilitates entrepreneurs who belong to SC/ST/BC, members of disabled welfare group, minorities and other groups avail a subsidy of either Rs.1 lakh or 60 per cent of the unit cost whichever is less to set up their own enterprise.

According to B. Narsimulu of National Jute Board, the demand for jute products has been growing across the country. The opportunity to exhibit Jute products not only helps the weavers gain an extra edge to improve their marketing techniques. Jute bags particularly can be an excellent alternative to plastic bags.