With an aim to provide practical and experiential learning opportunities and application of knowledge in real time scenario, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre under School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS): NU, organised a one-day hands-on training on “Banana fiber extraction, value addition and vermicomposting” at Living Bible College in Vihokhu village under Niuland district
DIMAPUR — With an aim to provide practical and experiential learning opportunities and application of knowledge in real time scenario, STINER-TFC, Nagaland Centre under School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS): NU, organised a one-day hands-on training on “Banana fiber extraction, value addition and vermicomposting” at Living Bible College in Vihokhu village under Niuland district on July 7.
The training was organised to equip the participants with necessary skills and knowledge to engage in banana fiber extraction, a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional textile production and craft-making, and to convert agricultural waste into income generation enriched vermicompost.
An update from SAS stated that the participants were introduced to the entire process of fiber-extraction which included cutting of pseudo stem into standard sizes, removing the sheath and bark, extraction of fiber, washing, drying, polishing, braiding and finally stitching the refined fibre into various handicraft products during the technical session.
It stated that vermicompost, an eco-friendly approach to convert waste into wealth, was also practically demonstrated. The participants have actively participated during the entire hand-on training session and showed immense interest and intended to further establish a self-sustaining business with the use of those technologies.
The programme was chaired by Prof. Akali Sema, pro-vice chancellor of SAS: NU and project in-charge of STINER-TFC, wherein she highlighted the role and mandate of STINER, which was aimed at creating awareness about entrepreneurial atmosphere among the youth, women group and aspiring entrepreneurs.
In his welcome address, Kiyekhe Kiba, principal of Living Bible College, thanked the STINER team and expressed hope that the experts would help the students gain valuable knowledge during the course of the training.
Speaking on the scope and utility of banana fibre and vermicompost, Bikram Ghimere, project assistant of STINER-TFC, has highlighted about the potential of banana as a plant and how it could be utilised in various ways to generate income.
Atoi Achumi, a student of the college, mentioned that it was a great experience for them and expressed hope that they would be able to capitalise on knowledge and skills they learned during the training.
A total of 65 students attended the training programme.
Read top news: Physician urges public to prioritise health
