Nov 2 : : Rotting of jute fibre has become a big problem for the farmers due to shortage of water in the ponds, canals and rivers of the country.

But the scientists of the Jute Research Institute has evolved a new method to rot the fibres of jute titled 'Ribbon Betting'. Though it was evolved in the eighties, it was used in Narail district in a small scale. This year, this new method has gained ground to the farmers of Narail.

The farmers are becoming more profited by using this new method instead of the ancient method. To create mass awareness about its technology and merits, the Agriculture Extension Department, World Fish Centre and 'Banchte Shekha', an NGO, are organising different programmes, including rally, meeting at different levels under a partnership project of IFM. They also presented the merits and demerits of safe shelter of fish farming.

After learning this new technology, the farmers of the project area are using it practically.

Jute fibres can rot in three ways. (a) The separated jute fibers have to be kept after twisting as round shape in a big earthen pot. A total of 30 k.g. fibre can be rotted in a big pot. (b) If there is any pit, pond, marsh or canal beside the house, the fibre can be kept drowning into the water with a long bamboo after twisting as round shape.

(c) It may be made 12-13 feet long, 5-6 feet width and 3 feet deep hole behind the house or any suitable place. Make a bed into the hole by polythene and pour it with clean water. After keeping the jute roll, fill up the hole with soil.

To take less time for rotting jute fiber, use one k.g. Urea manure for 100-maund raw fiber in a hole or piece the small jute plants and keep it in small pot for rotting. Then use the water of the pot during rotting the fibre.