Nagaland
Banana fibre extraction training held in Tseminyu, Niuland
A hands-on training programme on ‘Banana fibre extraction, its value addition and vermicomposting’ was organised by STINER-TFC, SASRD, NU, Medziphema, at Kashanyu village, Tseminyu district and Zuheshe village, Niuland district, on March 10 and the 14th, respectively.
The training, conducted under the initiative of Prof. Akali Sema, project in-charge STINER-TFC, was focused on creating awareness among the villagers on the economic values of the banana plant, the various avenues that can be generated through it and how STINER can intervene in bringing relevant and need-based technologies for the benefit of the people, an update stated.
Speaking on the concept of banana fibre extraction and craft making, Bikram Ghimere, project assistant, STINER-TFC, emphasised on the importance of utilising the rich resources of the region for economic generating activities.
Ghimere said banana plantation in the entire Nagaland still lies unutilised, while in other states of the country banana fibre is being converted into various economic and employment generating activities.
“This can also be achieved in our State with the right technology intervention and right commitment from our native people,” he said.
Stating that the state is unable to meet the export demand, he further stressed on mass production of the fibre and cluster formation so that the project can be made into a self- sustaining and employment generating enterprise.
During the demonstration of banana fibre extraction, Vibito Savino, MTS, STINER-TFC, gave step-by-step practical demonstration of the procedures involved in extraction and its value addition.
A practical session on vermi-composting was also conducted where Ghimere accentuated on the importance and scope of vermi-composting in converting household and farm wastes into successful home-based income generating enterprise.
Ghimere also shared how this activity can be integrated with banana fibre extraction as wastes from extracted fibres can be utlised as biomass, which can be converted into income generating high quality compost.
“The training was practical oriented where the participants were given hands on demonstration of all the procedure involved,” it stated.
A total of 75 participants were sensitized through the training programme.