Dimapur, March 29 (EMN): A hands-on training programme on ‘Banana fibre extraction - Basics on handicraft making and vermicomposting’ was organised by STINER-TFC, SASRD, NU, Medziphema campus, at Rotomi village in Zunheboto district on March 25.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Prof. Akali Sema, project in-charge of STINER-TFC and dean of SASRD, NU, Medziphema campus, highlighted the role of STINER in creating entrepreneurial mindset among the people and the different ways through which the Centre could intervene in developing the rural mass.
An update from SASRD, Medziphema campus, stated that the training was focused on creating awareness among the native people to realise the economic values of the rich natural resources available which are often wasted and to convert them into livelihood generating activities.
Speaking on the concept of banana fibre extraction and craft making, Dr. Sentirenla Changkiri, project assistant of STINER-TFC, emphasised on the importance of utilising the rich resources of the region and developing them into economic generating activities. She specifically mentioned that the banana plantation in the entire State still remained unutilised, while the other states of the country have converted those waste into various economic and employment generating avenues.
It was followed with a practical session on vermi-composting, wherein Bikram Ghimere, project assistant of STINER-TFC and an expert in the subject, accentuated on the importance and scope of vermi-composting in converting household and farm wastes into successful home-based income generating avenues. He also stressed on how the activity could be integrated with various other agro-based activities such as mushroom cultivation, banana fibre extraction and wastes from agricultural crop products.
Besides a practical session on mushroom cultivation, a session on value addition of horticultural products such as jam, squash, pickle and candy making was conducted by Prof. Akali Sema.
Report further stated that a total of 70 participants including SHG members, unemployed youth and housewives have participated in the training.