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Organic fertilizers and durable paper from banana stem waste.

Date:13 feb 23

Country: India

Plant Name:

    Banana Plant

Residue Name:

    Stems/Stalks

End Products

Biomaterials

Paper

Fertilizer and soil nutrients

Organic fertilizer

Application

  • Production of organic fertilisers and paper.

Description

Dr. Vishal Mishra of IIT (BHU) Varanasi has developed a method to produce durable, absorbent paper from banana stem fibres. The process involves harvesting, cleaning, and cooking banana stems with soda ash, followed by rinsing, beating, and forming the fibres into paper sheets. This eco-friendly innovation also trains farmers to create liquid organic fertilizers from agro-waste, promoting sustainability and rural entrepreneurship. The project aims to uplift socio-economic conditions and encourage grassroots innovations in villages.

Pathway Description:

The fibre from the banana is removed and washed with sodium hydroxide in order to eliminate natural resins that can decrease the strength and durability of the paper. The washed fibre is used to form a stronger fibre (agricultural fibre). Then, pulp is made that is used in the production of paper. The banana fibers are decomposed by microorganisms, producing a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Source: Know More...

Tags: Organic Fertilizer from Banana WasteSustainable Banana Fiber UtilizationAbsorbent Paper from Banana Fiber

End Products

Biomaterials

Paper

Fertilizer and soil nutrients

Organic fertilizer

Feedstock

Types of Feedstock

Secondary agricultural residue

Name

Banana stem fiber

Form

Solid biomass

Commercials

Abundantly available in banana-growing regions

Logistics

Collection at farms or local aggregators; minimal transportation required for local processing

Characteristics

Strong,Flexible,Durable

Pathways

Chemical

Bleaching

Mechanical

Pulping

Biological

Microbial Decomposition

Stakeholders

Educational Institution

IIT (BHU) Varanasi