Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi   

Training in banana fibre extraction for women

TIRUCHI: With an eye on exports, the Department of Women’s Studies, Bharathidasan University, has mobilised 60 women comprising members of self-help-groups for imparting training to them on banana fibre extraction at Analai Village near Thirupparaithurai.

The NABARD-sponsored 13-day training that commenced earlier this week would expose the participants to the methods of manufacturing handicraft and value added products from banana fibre, according to the Centre Director N. Manimekalai,

Not only would the training lead to transforming waste into wealth, the manufacture of eco-friendly products like bags, purse and baskets would also help the rural women to generate income. The participants would be trained in the methodology of dyeing the fibre as well.

Those completing the training programme successfully would be provided with marketing support once they start their ventures with bank loans. The Manager of Canara Bank, Jeeyapuram Branch, has promised bank credit for the export-oriented venture.

Due to growing consciousness, there would be substantial demand for the eco-friendly products worldwide, said Dr. Manimekalai, adding that the participants would be assisted in preparing project reports for bank loans.

Soloman Paul Jeyaraj, Assistant General Manager, NABARD, felt certain that the SHG women could become successful entrepreneurs through the training programme. He acknowledged the support rendered by the president of Thiruparaithurai Panchayat Balamani.

The participants are being trained by a team coordinated by Vanaja of Samyuktha Enterprises, who was earlier trained in the field by the Department of Women’s Studies and the Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Tamil Nadu.

Green India has offered to supply machines and buy back the products.

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