SAS empowers entrepreneurs through sustainable waste management

DIMAPUR — Aimed at inspiring entrepreneurs and farmers to convert waste into wealth, a one-day hands on training on ‘Entrepreneurship through waste management’ was organised by Science and Technology Intervention in North Eastern Region-Technology Facilitation Centre (STINER-TFC) of the School of Agriculture Science (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, on September 20 at Women Welfare Hall in Jalukie town under Peren district.

The training was conducted was under the initiative of Prof. Akali Sema, project in-charge of STINER-TFC, Nagaland centre and pro-vice chancellor of NU: SAS, Medziphema campus. The training was designed to equip participants with practical skills to convert agricultural waste into valuable resource fostering business opportunities, stated an update from the university.

The training focused on utilising the waste banana pseudostem for fibre extraction, a versatile and eco-friendly material.

During the technical session, the participants were demonstrated the correct method to harvest the pseudostem, removing of the sheath, extraction of fibres, washing the extracted fibres, drying under shed, brushing to get the polished fibres and braiding the fibres to make various value added products such as tea coaster, table mat, bags and basket of different sizes.

The participants were also made aware that the waste produced during the extracting process such as sap (liquid waste) could be used as bio-pesticides and liquid fertilizers, while the solid waste could also be used as a bio-mass for compost and vermicomposting.

The training also covered vermicomposting, an organic method of composting that uses earthworms to convert organic waste into high quality compost.

Speaking on the concept of scope and utility of banana fibre and vermicompost, the project assistant, Bikram Ghimere, highlighted how waste from the fibre extraction process could be utilised as biomass in vermicompost, making it a successful dual income generating avenues.

Besides, participants were demonstrated on vermicomposting process including the different species which are used during composting.

Kiheilung, one of the participants, stated that the knowledge would help them in the future especially incorporating the banana fibre extraction with vermicomposting.