Recognizing the untapped potential in banana waste

Banana fibre production includes laborious methods of cultivation, fibre extraction, fibre processing and sorting. From this comes a tough but fine and lustrous fibre that when woven is a supple yet versatile textile. Generally woven in small communities on electric-free looms, abaca fibre is low impact, low (mechanical) energy and requires no chemicals to grow or process. As the tree is grown locally, it is also low in transportation impact.

In order to create this plant fibre, the trunk of the tree is soaked in nearby rivers for softening, making it more manageable to separate the fibres, which are then extracted – either by a stripping machine, or by hand – and then knotted in to yarn. Around a billion tonnes of banana plant stems are wasted each year, despite research from the Handbook of Fiber Chemistry indicating that it would only take 37kg of stems to produce a kilogram of fibre. It seems that a significant amount of banana leaves are wasted each year, because demand for this unusual textile just isn’t high enough yet.

Om Banana Craft’s founder’s ingenious approach as a grassroots and farmer-innovator tackles the challenges faced by farmers, presenting a mechanized solution to the issue of banana waste. The patented “Banana Fibre Processing Machine & its operation method” stands as a testament to the commitment to easing the labour-intensive process, simultaneously enhancing rope production and deriving additional products from banana sheaths.

By utilizing banana ropes, women in local communities skilfully craft products such as mats, bags, and lampshades, contributing to both domestic markets and international exports. This transformative initiative not only provides economic opportunities for these women but also allows them to engage in handcraft work while fulfilling their family responsibilities.

The sustainable practice of procuring banana pseudo stems directly from local farmers extends beyond economic benefits. This approach actively addresses environmental concerns linked to the disposal of banana plant waste, creating a harmonious balance between economic viability and ecological responsibility.

Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, expressed the board’s commitment to support innovative projects that promote sustainable farming practices and rural development. He remarked, “M/s Om Banana Craft Pvt Ltd., through its forward-thinking approach, showcases how agro-waste can be transformed into valuable products, contributing to a greener and economically vibrant future.” “TDB remains dedicated to backing initiatives that not only drive technological advancements but also positively impact the lives of farmers and rural communities, aligning with the government’s vision of empowering the agricultural sector, he added”.