During the current financial year, export of jute products is likely to touch Rs 1500 crores, said a top official of the National Jute Board.

Speaking to a news agency after opening a exhibition cum sale of jute products in Vishakhapatnam recently as part of the sales promotion, Market Officer B Narasimhulu said jute goods worth Rs 1400 crores were exported to various countries last financial year and this time it may touch Rs 1500 crores.

He said the National Jute Board, under the Textiles Ministry had been encouraging small entreprenuers in making jute products and providing 20 percent capital expenditure subsidy for jute mills in the country.

Narasimhulu said the Jute Board was conducting training programmes to small groups and Non-Governmental organisations in making various types of jute products.

The official said it was also organising exhibitions at various places to encourage artisans to establish their stalls free of cost to exhibit their products as part of sales promotion.

He said the week-long exhibition from today is expected to fetch a sales worth Rs 12 lakhs as against Rs 10 lakhs last year.