Officials along with the participants during the hands-on training programme on banana fibre extraction, value addition and vermicomposting at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus on September 9.
Dimapur, September 9 (MExN): A five-day hands-on training programme on banana fibre extraction, value addition and vermicomposting was conducted by the Science and Technology Intervention in North East Region-Technology Facilitation Centre (STINER-TFC) at the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.
The programme commenced on August 29 and concluded on September 9 under the leadership of Prof Akali Sema, Project In-charge, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre.
The training aimed to equip students with practical, income-generating agricultural skills and promote entrepreneurship.
The programme began with practical demonstrations on vermicomposting by Dr Limasunep and Sharongmangyang Chang, proprietor of Kingkin Vermicompost, Chümoukedima.
Dr Limasunep highlighted the role of vermicompost in converting organic farm waste into nutrient-rich manure, while Chang demonstrated the setting up of commercial vermicompost units, standard operating procedures, harvesting of vermiwash and the economic potential of waste management enterprises.
The second segment, coordinated by STINER-TFC Project Assistant Bikram Ghimere, focused on banana fibre extraction and value addition. He explained the potential of different components of the banana plant, including pseudostem biomass and liquid runoff generated during extraction, for income generation.
A cohort of 20 students received hands-on training in pseudostem harvesting and sheath preparation, fibre extraction, washing and brushing, fibre braiding and production of lifestyle products such as table mats, tea coasters, bags, baskets and caps.
Assistant Registrar, Nagaland University, Akiya Assumi, encouraged the students to make full use of the university's facilities and appreciated the range of products made from banana fibre.
Prof Akali Sema urged the participants to explore alternative enterprise opportunities and view skill development as a continuous process. She assured them of continued support from STINER-TFC and encouraged them to use its resources, infrastructure and technical mentorship to establish commercial ventures.
Participants also appreciated the practical exposure, with students saying the training helped build confidence and provided skills applicable to their future careers.
