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DIMAPUR — Realising the importance of proper waste management practices and the opportunity they provide, Science and Technology Intervention in North-Eastern Region - Technology Facilitation Centre ((STINER-TFC), SAS: NU, Medziphema campus, conducted entrepreneurship through waste management training programmes in four districts on Nagaland.
The trainings were conducted at Old Mangakhi village, Tuensang, in collaboration with Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) on Feb. 7; at Jungyam Fishery Farm, Noklak, on Feb. 8; Amahator and New Risethsi villages, Kiphire, on Feb. 10 (both in collaboration with The Entrepreneur Associates), and at Nagaland University, Lumami, on Feb. 13, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, respectively.
“In an era marked by environmental challenges and economic opportunities, a new wave of entrepreneurship is emerging, centered on waste management.
“Entrepreneurship through waste management represents a paradigm shift, where traditional notions of waste disposal are being replaced by creative solutions that not only mitigate environmental harm but also generate economic value,” stated a press release issued by STINER-TFC, SAS: NU.
The training programme represents a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in waste management practices. By providing participants with practical insights, tools, and techniques, the programme seeks to catalyse the development of sustainable business models that address pressing environmental challenges while creating economic opportunities, the release stated.
The training was conducted under the initiative of Prof. Akali Sema, project incharge, STINER-TFC, who emphasised that the North Eastern Region is endowed with rich natural resources, but it also faces unique waste management challenges.
Recognising the importance of local solution to local problem, STINER has committed itself to empowering communities towards economic resiliencies.
Bikram Ghimere, project assistant, STINER-TFC, made the participants aware of the economic potential of banana plant, apart from its fruit, which is yet to be tapped.
The training focused on extracting fibres from the pseudo stem and making various value added products from the fibres such as bags, tea coaster, baskets, table mat etc.
“While vermicomposting is another aspect of management of agricultural waste and converting into income generating enriched compost. Integrating the two technologies will create a double income generating avenues for the farmers,” it stated.
The technical session was followed by practical demonstration where the participants were given hands-on training with the objective of “learning by doing.”
Chubashashi Aier, mechanic, STINER-TFC, demonstrated the entire process of fibre extraction and vermicomposting. The final session focused on multi-purpose dryer, a technology which is useful in drying cardamom, ginger, chillies and other spicies in a smoke-free environment.
The eight-day training programme culminated at Nagaland University, Lumami, where Dr. Abemo, registrar, Nagaland University, was the special guest. He encouraged the farmers to capitalise on the opportunity presented before them.
A total of five banana fibre machines were handed over to potential beneficiaries - one each to Mujangzi VLO at Old Mangakhi village, Tuensang; OB SHG at Noklak; Amahator Lhiyong Lhutsaru Producer Company Ltd. at New Risethsi village, Kiphire; Farmer’s Interest Group (FIG), Alaphumi village, Zunheboto, and KVK Zunheboto.
Two cardamom drier, one each to Kingnuiking Club, Noklak, and Amuthsing VLO SHG, Tuensang, were also handed over post-training.
Further, four portable vermicompost beds were set up at the different training venues during the training.
A total of 238 participants were sensitised during the training programmes.