Participant with others during the training on ‘banana fibre extraction, value addition & vermicomposting’ held at Chekiye village on June 24.
Chümoukedima, June 26 (MExN): With an aim to create a sustainable solution and convert agricultural waste into income generating avenues, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre, SAS: NU organised a hands-on training on ‘banana fibre extraction, value addition & vermicomposting’ at Children Education & Training Centre, Chekiye village, Chümoukedima district on June 24.
The training aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to engage in banana fibre extraction, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional textile production and the various craft that can be made using the fibres. The training brought together a diverse group of participants, including students, freelancers and teachers. During the 1st training sessions, participants were introduced to the entire process of banana fibre extraction, which consist of cutting the pseudo stems into standard sizes, removing the sheath and bark, extraction, washing, drying, polishing, braiding and finally stitching the refined fibre into various handicraft products.
In the 2nd session, the process of vermicomposting was practically demonstrated, wherein the participants showed immense interest and intended to further established a self-sustaining business.
The programme was chaired by Prof Akali Sema, PVC, SAS: NU, Medziphema Campus & Project In-charge, STINER-TFC, Nagaland. Prof Sema highlighted that the purpose of the training was to build up entrepreneurial skills, sensitize the local people about the various technologies parked at the centre, and through technological intervention, bring livelihood to the people.
Vito K Chishi, Founder, CETC thanked the STINER-team for considering their centre for training while at the same time he was hopeful that through the training, their students will learn valuable skills which they can impart into their lives.
Speaking on the concept of scope and utility of banana fiber and vermicompost, Bikram Ghimere, Project Assistant, STINER-TFC, highlighted how waste from fiber extraction can be utilized as biomass in vermicompost and integrating the two will result in multiple income generating avenues.
Vilivi Chishi, one of the participants said that they didn’t know banana fibers were so useful and are looking forward to utilize the knowledge and skills that they learned during the training into their lives.A total of 24 participants attended the training.
