Peren, September 25 (MExN): Realising the importance of proper waste management practices and the opportunity it provides, one- day hands on training on ‘entrepreneurship through waste management’ was organised by Science and Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region-Technology Facilitation Centre (STINER-TFC), NU: SAS, Medziphema campus on September 20. A total of 70 participants attend the training programme which was held at Women Welfare Hall, Jalukie Town, Peren.
The training was conducted was under the initiative of Prof Akali Sema, Project In-charge STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre and Pro-Vice Chancellor, NU: SAS, Medziphema campus. The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills to convert agricultural waste into valuable resource fostering business opportunities. The training emphasized creating awareness of the economic importance of the banana plant and the various ways in the plant could be utilizes to generate livelihood through technological intervention.
The training focused on utilizing the waste banana pseudostem for fibre extraction, a versatile and eco-friendly material. During the technical session, the participants were demonstrated the correct method to harvest the pseudostem, removing of the sheath, extraction of fibres, washing the extracted fibres, drying under shed , brushing to get the polished fibres and braiding the fibres to make various value added products such as tea coaster, table mat, bags and basket of different sizes. The participants were also made aware that the waste produced during the extracting process viz sap (liquid waste) is used as bio-pesticides and liquid fertilizers while the solid waste can be used as a bio mass for compost and vermicomposting.
The training also covered Vermicomposting, an organic method of composting that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into high quality compost. Speaking on the concept of scope and utility of banana fibre and vermicompost, Project Assistant, Bikram Ghimere highlighted how waste from the fibre extraction process can be utilized as biomass in vermicompost making it a successful dual income generating avenues. The participants were demonstrated the vermicomposting process including the different species which are used during composting.
Kiheilung, one of the participants was “surprised to know about the utility of the banana pseudostem into extracted fibres” and said that the knowledge will help them in the future especially incorporating the banana fibre extraction with vermicomposting. The participants were comprised of housewives, SHGs members, small time business personals and farmers.
The training was practical oriented and aimed to inspire entrepreneurs and farmers to turn waste into wealth, while contributing to the circular economy.
