Use of Jute Products Can Help Conserve Environment: Shashi Bhushan Singh

‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Fashion & Lifestyle’ Expo Inaugurated

Pune, Oct 9: Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Jute Board, Shashi Bhushan Singh, on Thursday said that use of jute products, which are eco-friendly, can promote sustainable development at a time when excessive use of synthetic and plastic products has become harmful to the environment.

He was speaking after inaugurating the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat – Fashion & Lifestyle Expo 2026’ jointly organised by Shikhaj Karigari and the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The expo is being held at the Poona Club on Bund Garden Road from October 8 to 11.

Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Basavaraj Teli-Ugale, Co-Development Commissioner, Pune Cluster, SEZ, Mital Sudhir Hiremath, Inspector General, CID, Sudhir Hiremath, Director, National Jute Board, Kishan Singh Ghughtyal, Public Relations Officer, Southern Command, Ankush Chavan, actress Sayali Patil, Director of National Institute of Naturopathy Geeta Balkrishna Shetty and others were present on the occasion.

“Use of jute products is proving more beneficial for conservation of environment. It provides natural fibre in large quantity and has zero carbon footprint. One hectare of jute cultivation generates 11 tonnes of oxygen, making it crucial for the future. Greater use of jute by citizens will significantly help in environmental conservation,” Singh said.

Pune is known as the cultural and educational hub, and the expo provides a platform to artists from across the country through the artworks displayed. There are over 110 stalls showcasing traditional Indian art and handicrafts, said Teli-Ugale.

The country is rich in diverse art forms and this exhibition provides a platform for artworks created in different parts of the country, said Sayali Patil.

The main objective of the exhibition is to promote Indian handicrafts and traditional craftsmanship and to bring together entrepreneurs, artisans, designers, students and customers on a common platform.