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DIMAPUR — The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA), in collaboration with the Science and Technology Intervention in North-East Region (STINER)-Technology Facility Centre (TFC), held "Entrepreneurship through Waste Management" training programmes in Kiphire and Noklak districts.
According to an update, the training programme aimed to promote agri-entrepreneurship by providing skills training to farmers through demonstrations presented by STINER-TFC professionals on banana fibre extraction and technical sessions on vermicomposting. Also, the STINER team provided banana extraction machines to beneficiaries.
Kiphire: The training programme in Kiphire was held on February 10 at Amahator village, where Bikram Ghimere, Project Assistant at STINER-TFC, discussed STINER's inception in 2019 and emphasised the importance of promoting entrepreneurship, particularly through banana fibre extraction and vermicomposting, in generating income and livelihood in the area.
Beneficiaries received hands-on training and witnessed the production of products made from banana fibres, such as handbags and saucers. Simultaneously, Ghimere conducted an in-depth technical training session on the vermicomposting process, elucidating the values and benefits associated with the final product.
Hubilu Tunyi, CEO of the farmers producer organisation (FPO) at Amahator block, expressed gratitude to the STINER team for their efforts in assisting farmers in the region. Tunyi also thanked the participants for their proactive response in driving the success of the initiative.
She highlighted the significance of their collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the economic landscape of the block.
Noklak: In Noklak, hands-on training was conducted for three farmer producer organisations (FPOs) in Noklak district, implemented by the Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA) in collaboration with STINER-TFC at Jungyam Fishery Farm on February 8.
The update mentioned that Ghimre on the occasion stressed the importance of implementing science and technology in agriculture, highlighting its potential to enhance sustainability, increase production for farmers, and generate additional income sources.
Chubasashi, a mechanic at STINER-TFC, demonstrated to the trainees the user manual for the banana fibre extraction machine. He also showed visuals of the finished products and explained their scope and market demand, after which the attendees participated in banana fibre extraction trials overseen by experts.
He explained the versatility of the cardamom dryer, highlighting its ability to dry various products such as chillies, meat, etc. He noted that a unique feature of the dryer is its smokeless operation, thereby eliminating the threat of many smoke-related health issues.
Ghimre further provided insights on vermicomposting, discussing the materials required, the optimal quantities needed, and the suitable environment necessary for achieving good results. He also explained the ever-growing market demand for vermicompost and the potential for income generation.
Both sessions were followed by the signing of documentation by potential farmers and the handing over of machines by the STINER-TFC team. In Kiphire, one vermi pin and one banana fibre extraction machine were provided, while in Noklak, one vermi pin, one banana fibre extraction machine, and one cardamom dryer were handed over.