WITH the decoding of the genome of tossa and deshi (white) jute genera and that of the plant's enemy - the deadly fungus - by the Bangladeshi geneticists, the country's image has been greatly enhanced in the international arena. This major breakthrough in jute genome research will encourage more agricultural research and help uplift the national economy.
The globally famed Bangladeshi geneticist Dr. Maqsudul Alam and his team achieved these huge scientific successes after three consecutive years of persistently pursuing jute genomics. Dr. Alam, also credited with sequencing the genome of papaya in the United States and that of rubber in Malaysia, discovered the genetic sequence of tossa jute in 2010. Within two years of this success in September 2012, he led research on the genome sequence of the most deadly fungus - microphomina phaseolina - that causes havoc to jute, soybean and a host of other crops. His efforts to know the code of life of jute did not stop there. He also proceeded to decode the genome of another variety of indigenous jute locally called deshi (white) and succeeded in his scientific pursuit.
Addressing a press conference on Monday Dr Alam, who first started work on the jute genome in 2008, said it's a matter of our great pride that any research on development of jute anywhere in the world would now require 'jute science' know-how from Bangladesh. Being inspired by Ahmed Shamsul, now 89, who started jute research as early in 1955, Dr Alam said once the finer and stress-resistant varieties are developed, the country would be able to use more jute in clothing and lessen import dependency on cotton. Besides, the country will also be able to export huge quantities of jute after fulfilling the domestic demand.
Presently, Bangladesh produces some five to six million bales of jute annually. During the Pakistan period this important natural fibre, second only to cotton, was the highest foreign exchange earner. But for various reasons, jute production has fallen drastically in the country. Farmers have also lost interest in cultivating jute because of its low price in the market. Bangladesh is also the world's second largest producer of jute, after India, and the world's largest exporter of the fibre.
The successful decoding of deshi jute along with that of tossa will usher in the improvement and diversification of jute goods. The disease resistant and adverse weather tolerant improved jute variety is likely to be released within the next five years. Bangladesh has also applied for the patent registration to the authorities concerned. If patent rights are achieved, Bangladesh will be the sole owner of the jute genome and get money from concerned individuals, institutions, international agencies or countries if they want to conduct research on jute anywhere in the globe.
To re-establish the glory of jute as well as to grab the rising global market of this natural fibre farmers should be encouraged to cultivate more jute.