Participants of the programme organised by STINER-TFC.
DIMAPUR, JULY 9 (MExN): With the aim to provide participants with practical and experiential learning opportunities and application of knowledge in real scenarios, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre under the School of Agricultural Sciences: NU, organized a one day hands-on training on ‘Banana Fiber Extraction, value addition and vermicomposting’ at Living Bible College, Ayinato, Vihokhu Village, Niuland district.
The training was aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in banana fiber extraction, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional textile production and craft making and conversion of agricultural waste into income generation enriched vermicompost.
During the technical session, the participants were introduced to the entire process of fiber-extraction which includes cutting of pseudo stem into standard sizes, removing the sheath and bark, extraction of fiber, washing, drying, polishing, braiding and finally stitching the refined fiber into various handicraft products.
Vermicompost, an eco-friendly approach to convert waste into wealth, was also practically demonstrated. The participants were actively involved during the entire hands-on training session and showed immense interest and intended to further establish self-sustaining businesses with the use of these technologies.
The programme was chaired by Prof Akali Sema, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SAS: NU & Project In-charge, STINER-TFC. She highlighted the role and mandate of STINER which was aimed to create awareness about entrepreneurial atmosphere among the youths, women groups and aspiring entrepreneurs.
In his welcome address, Kiyekhe Kiba, Principal, Living Bible College, thanked the STINER team and hoped that the experts will help the students gain valuable knowledge during the course of the training.
Speaking on the scope and utility of banana fiber and vermicompost, Bikram Ghimere, Project Assistant, STINER-TFC highlighted the potential of banana as a plant and how the plant can be utilized in various ways to generate income.
During the students’ remark, Atoi Achumi mentioned that it was a great experience for them and said they are hopeful that they can capitalize on the knowledge and skills they learned during the training and embark far and beyond. The programmed commenced with an invocation prayer by Dr Nitoli Sheqi and vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Otto S Awomi. A total of 65 participants attended the training programme.
