SASRD conducts training in Chekiye village

Dimapur: With an aim to create a sustainable solution and convert agricultural waste into income generating avenues, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre under SASRD: NU, organised a one-day hands-on training on “Banana fibre extraction, value addition and vermicomposting”  at Children Education and Training Centre, Chekiye village, on June 24.

The training was aimed at equipping 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 could be made using the fibres.

An update from SASRD stated that the training programme brought together a diverse group of participants including students, freelancers and teachers.

During the 1^st training sessions, participants were introduced to the entire process of banana fibre extraction, which consisted 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 2^nd 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, project in-charge of STINER-TFC, wherein she highlighted on the purpose of the training, which was aimed at building up entrepreneurial skills and sensitise the people about the various technologies.

In a brief remark, Vito K Chishi, founder of CETC, thanked the STINER team for conducting the training at the centre. He expressed hope that the training would benefit the children with valuable skills in their pursuit for success in life.

Speaking on the scope and utility of banana fiber and vermicompost, Bikram Ghimere, project assistant of STINER-TFC, has highlighted on how waste from fiber extraction could be utilised as biomass in vermicompost and also generate income.

A total of 24 participants attended the training programme.