<h1>Five-year memorandum ties jute board, procurement agency, research institute and agriculture department to expand jute and new natural fibres</h1> A four-party memorandum of understanding between a national jute board, a jute procurement corporation, a central jute research institute, and the state agriculture department was executed for five years to expand jute and pilot new-age natural fibres (flax, ramie, sisal) in the state. The agreement allocates roles: the state will identify land and farmers and extend scheme support; the jute board will provide technical, financial and promotional assistance under national schemes; the research institute will supply seed, R&D and technical guidance; and the procurement agency will set up procurement and price-support mechanisms to secure fair returns and market linkages for farmers.