Advisor Hekani Jakhalu Kense inaugurates banana fibre extraction unit in Medziphema.
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DIMAPUR — A banana fibre extraction unit, an initiative of Youth Net and funded by Globalisation Alliance of Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), was formally launched by Hekani Jakhalu Kense, Advisor of Industries and Commerce, at Ward-1 (Shüzarü) in Medziphema town, on Thursday.
The extraction unit was launched in the presence of Zhaleo Rio, Advisor of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, and P James Swu, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Medziphema, an update stated.
In her address, the advisor mentioned that the project, launched in Bade village, was financed with seed money of INR 10 lakhs and has achieved stability in four years with a mechanised unit.
Hekani expressed optimism that the new unit in Medziphema town would give a tough competition to its counterpart in Bade village.
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Speaking on the emphasis placed by the Ministry of Industry on new age fibres such as banana and pineapple fibre, she encouraged the Nagas and urged them to pick up the lead before any other state in the country.
Stating that genuine people always find a way to make things work, she also urged the menfolk to encourage their wives and daughters to be invested in such works and also lend a helping hand wherever necessary.
Hekani further lauded Zhaleo Rio for showing interest in every programme, big or small, within his constituency.
The programme kickstarted with a welcome address and formal introduction to the project and its achievements across the state till date by Nouneseno Chase, Director of Youth Net.
Chase stated that the first banana fibre extraction unit was started at Bade village, which was later adopted as its model village.
Initially starting with a budget of INR 12 lakh, investment and upgrades have crossed INR 1 crore till date. The director also mentioned that banana fibre products are exported nationally and some are sold on Amazon.
The growing demand of banana fibre in the country was evident with supply being unable to meet the demand, she added.
Community representative Tukhu Rhi from Bade village, Medziphema, reflected on the journey that started in 2022 with over a hundred people, now sustained by 30 with the line “Hard work brings success.”
Recalling the early days when they were unsure if the product would sell, she was thrilled that they're now flooded with orders, often struggling to meet demand due to high orders and low supply.
Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio thanked Hekani for bringing about this project to his constituency and helping out the womenfolk.
He was hopeful that with the team's training in place, machinery upgrades would follow. Noting that similar projects in Nagaland often get abandoned, he encouraged the Tepfe Rhi team to persist, stressing that consistency is key to success.
Delivering the closing remarks, the ADC Medziphema encouraged locals to utilise the six training facilities in Medziphema town to sharpen their skills, promoting a "work and eat" culture instead of relying on handouts.
He also announced ICAR's plan to start a pineapple fibre extraction plant at ICAR, Medziphema.