Banana is one of the major cash crops in Bhimad-5, providing a livelihood for many farmers. However, traditional farming practices in the region have overlooked the potential of banana pseudostems, often allowing them to decompose and emit harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. Recognizing this environmental challenge and the untapped potential of banana waste, the Banana Fiber Extraction Project was launched to turn waste into wealth, empowering rural farmers and promoting sustainability.
With generous funding from Purak Asia, this innovative project was led by Sandesh Gairhe, a proud Fellow of Purak Asia. The initiative aimed to educate farmers about extracting valuable fibers from banana pseudostems and transforming them into eco-friendly products. Over 70 farmers and local leaders participated in a hands-on workshop in Bhimad-5 to witness the process firsthand and explore its benefits.
The workshop introduced a simple yet impactful process. Farmers were guided on preparing pseudostems and using a banana fiber extractor to produce high-quality fibers. These fibers have immense potential to be crafted into sustainable products like tote bags, slippers, and diaries. Through clear demonstrations and interactive sessions, the participants gained practical knowledge and realized the economic and environmental value of this innovation.
The program received robust support from local leaders, enhancing its credibility and reach.
The Ward Chairperson of Bhimad Municipality Ward 5 chaired the event, with the Mayor of Bhimad Municipality as the chief guest and the President of FNCCI Bhimad as a special guest. Their active involvement emphasized the project’s importance and inspired confidence among the farming community.
The results were encouraging. Farmers quickly recognized the dual benefits of reducing waste and generating income. Many expressed a strong interest in adopting this new practice. A highlight of the event was the Mayor’s announcement of grants for commercial banana farming and the commitment to extend the program to other wards. This assurance of continued support from local authorities ensures the project’s sustainability and growth.
The farmers and the community learned valuable lessons through this initiative. They realized the importance of utilizing agricultural waste effectively, not just to protect the environment but also to create economic opportunities. The hands-on approach built their confidence in adopting innovative practices. Moreover, the program fostered a sense of collective effort and pride in working towards a greener future.
Local leaders also gained insights into the significance of supporting sustainable initiatives. They recognized how projects like this not only improve livelihoods but also address broader environmental challenges. Their active participation and commitment to scaling such programs demonstrated their growing awareness of the need for community-driven solutions to achieve sustainable development.
It is highly recommended that farmers take advantage of the banana waste by extracting banana fiber, as it provides an innovative and sustainable way to turn agricultural waste into a valuable resource. By utilizing banana fibers, farmers can create eco-friendly products such as textiles, ropes, and handicrafts, adding new income streams and reducing waste.
This approach not only benefits individual farmers but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for synthetic fibers. Furthermore, the government should actively support and launch such projects to provide training, resources, and incentives to farmers, fostering a green economy and empowering rural communities with sustainable agricultural practices.




Sandesh Gairhe
Sandesh Gairhe is a Mechanical Engineer and the co-founder of Kanduk Industry and Neo Venture Technology, driven by a passion for social entrepreneurship. With a strong dedication to innovation, he works on developing sustainable solutions that tackle both technological and societal issues.
This article is a product of the Youth Action Fund – Insights to Social Impact, an initiative supported by Purak Asia. The Youth Action Fund is a four-month fellowship program designed to empower young individuals to implement innovative solutions addressing critical societal challenges. The program focuses on themes such as Sustainable Future, Effective Governance, and Alternative Approaches to Rural Economic Issues. It provides essential support and guidance to youth-led initiatives, encouraging their efforts to establish social enterprises and develop creative solutions for governance and sustainability challenges.