International Market for Banana fibre products:
Banana is mainly cultivated in more than 107 countries all
over the world. What are the prospects for this fibre gaining global spotlight?
Dr. Rajan P Nachane, Principle Scientist and Head, Quality Evaluation &
Improvement Division of Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology,
says, "Being completely biodegradable and naturally occurring, the banana
fibre products are expected to be in great demand in the international markets
as they pose no toxic effects to man and the environment. A number of value
added textile products can be made which in turn would enhance the
profitability of banana farming. Banana fibres can be made available at cheap
rate for preparation of fancy articles as well as textiles".
"In the past spinning of Banana fibres has been tried
on jute spinning machinery for making ropes and sacks. However, spinning
performance of Banana fibres for the preparation of yarns and fabrics has not
been tried much in India." While talking about the Indian market for
banana fibres, he said, "An estimated yield of one million tons of dry
banana fibres annually, a very small quantity is presently being utilized for
the preparation of handicraft items".
Application potential of banana fibre is not having optimum
utilization. Buyers for these fibres are also inconsistent. Extraction of
fibres requires a more systematic way. Government patronage and useful
applications of this fibre would regularize the demand and enable a sturdy
market for these fibre products.
With the increasing demand for banana in the global arena,
much focus is required on increasing its production generating more of the pseudo
stem biomass waste. Being a rich source of natural fibres, the pseudo stem can
be profitably utilized for numerous applications and preparation of various
products.
References:
- http://www.vibrantnature.co.in
- http://www.teonline.com
- http://www.craftandartisans.com/
