A stall-owner displays the jute artefacts at the ongoing fair at Bihar Club. Picture by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, March 21: Jute handicrafts in varied shapes and designs have become an instant hit with the people in the state capital, who are showing an inclination towards the degradable wares.

Artisans from across the country, assembled at Bihar Club here for the 10-day Jute Handicraft Exhibition, said they have received a ?whopping response? at the fair with people showing an inclination towards purchasing the bio-friendly products.

About 25 artisans from Bengal, Orissa, Benaras and Jharkhand have taken part in the fair, organised by National Crafts for Jute Diversification, Ministry of Textiles.

The fair, started four days ago, has 18 counters displaying bags, purses, files, jewellery, wall hangings, shoes, fruit baskets and curtains, among others ? all made out of jute.

Most visitors to the fair said they are going in for jute items as they are discarding the use of plastics, which could give rise to health troubles. Moreover, they added, jute products are washable.

A participant from Bengal, Shahid, said: ?We have found that people search for jute articles even after such exhibitions come to an end. People have become conscious of the hazardous properties of plastics, which pollutes the environment.

?We are trying to promote jute products through such exhibitions with support from the government. We are also getting a good response from the visitors in this city.?

A visitor to the fair, Neelam, said, jute bags are worth purchasing as they help avoid the usage of polythene.

?I have purchased types of small jute bags to carry vegetables and other small household items. Earlier, I used to take polythene bags to the market. But now I have decided not to use polythene anymore. They are pollutants and hazardous.?

One major attraction at the fair has been Ashir Lakra?s stall, which sells jewellery made out of wheat.