21st July 2022, Shri Shankar Patil B Munenakoppa, Hon’ble Minister for Handloom and Textiles and Sugar Development Board, Karnataka State, Karnataka State visited ICAR- NRCB for technical collaboration for fibre based technologies to utilize in textile and handloom industries for uplifting banana farming in Karnataka State.During the event, Dr. S. Uma, Director ICAR-NRCB emphasized,In India, banana as an enterprise is generating around Rs 70000 crores and providing livelihood to millions of farmers. States like Karnataka having 1.4 lakh hectares under banana cultivation generates huge volume of waste, utilization of which could generate additional income of more than 1000 crores.The potential use of banana fibre in automobiles, composites, paper& pulp industries was also highlighted. Comprehensive use of fibre, scuture, central core stem and sap water was stressed for sustainability and profitability. Shri Shankar Patil B Munenakoppa, Hon’ble Minister for Handloom and Textiles said given the increasing demand for eco-friendly materials, banana fibre can be a good option for making garments, carpets, cushions, baskets and other products. He felt employing rural women in handicraft industry make them to earn more and MSME companies could also be get established under Atma Nirbhar programme. Shri Bhojaraj C N, Secretary, LaghuUdyogBharathi, Karnataka State said banana processing has excellent potential to be established, as it can provides entrepreneurial oppurnities and will attract rural youth of Karnataka. He felt the organization could support SHGs, FPO of which many from Tamil Nadu to harness the potential of using banana based value added products. An exhibition was arranged to showcase the wealth of value added products and use of banana fibre. The event was coordinated by Dr. P. Suresh Kumar and Dr. K.N. Shiva, Principal Scientists. Scientist of the institute & NIFTEM, Thanjavur, technical officers, administrative and supporting staff, Students and Research Scholars were also present during the visit.