anzinul Haque Rumon, Tangail
Pineapple cultivation started on the high ground of Idilpur in Madhupur. Since then, apart from Madhupur, about 20,000 acres of pineapple has been planted in Muktagachha, Fulbaria and Ghatailupazilas of the average area. Besides, bananas are planted on an average of about 15,000 acres. After collecting fruits from the garden, huge quantity of pineapple and banana stems are thrown away as wastes. Although some of the leaves are used as cattle feed, in fact the rest is of no use. However, with this fruit waste, the door of possibility is now opening. That potential is becoming even brighter by turning it into a technologically advanced asset. Its innovation and development can also pave the way for poverty alleviation.
Bangladesh Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industries recently started a project at grassroots level. Later Bureau Bangladesh came forward in this work. They started making decorative products from waste fiber through the handicraft project. Attractive ornaments are being made including decorative bags, vanity bags, jewelry boxes, wall mats, tissue boxes, pen holders, hats. According to the company, it is possible to make eco-friendly clothes from these natural fibers.
In India and Sri Lanka, such natural fibers are used to make eco-friendly products. If it is produced commercially, the import of yarn from abroad will decrease. New accessories will be added to the concerned sector. It is also possible to make organic fertilizer from waste. However, an organization called Bangladesh Classical Handmade Products has responded by making eye-catching products from pineapple and banana wastes.
More than two hundred fancy and daily necessities including floor carpets and blankets are being produced. About Tk 50 crore worth of goods are being exported to 37 countries of the world including Europe and America. By 2025, tens of thousands of people are expected to be employed in the industry. Many people of Kakraguni village of Madhupurupazila have opened factories in their homes. There is golden fiber in pineapple and banana waste.
Various development agencies are working on the collecting and processing of fiber from pineapple leaf and banana waste produced and various techniques with the produced fiber.
Rural women have received training. During the training, various interesting products such as hand bags, vanity bags, jewelry boxes, wall mats, tissue boxes, pen holders, hats, various types of women's ornaments, etc.
are made possible from the waste. In addition, by producing natural fibers and yarns from such agricultural wastes, the production cost will be eco-friendly. Garments and handicrafts has created employment opportunities for women and increased the country's export earnings. Sources close to the project said that pineapple and banana fiber are being used as raw material for the project. In addition to pineapple, about 15,000 acres of banana is cultivated commercially in Madhupur. Making yarn and cloth from pineapple and banana waste has created immense potential for employment and income growth locally. If fiber production can be done commercially, the import of yarn from abroad will be reduced and will work as an adjunct to making new garments in the garment sector. Even the use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by making organic fertilizers from these wastes. Economic development and empowerment of backward women can be ensured if marketing of manufactured products is facilitated. However, it requires proper patronage and long-term planning in this sector.
