Women-led banana processing project opens new livelihood avenue in Sullia

Mangaluru: The Prakruthi Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in Aranthodu, Sullia, is all set to roll out value-added products from banana stem and fibre. Machinery has already been installed at the facility under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) Integrated Farming Cluster initiative.The project is being implemented through Sanjeevini self-help group (SHG)--an all-woman outfit.Hrithik, the block manager (farm), said around 17 women will undergo a 10-day training, starting next week, to learn how to operate the machines and manage production activities. Experts from Tamil Nadu will conduct the training sessions.The block manager explained that the unit has been equipped with four machines, including a banana fibre extractor, weaving machine, stitching machine and a banana stem juice extractor, procured at a cost of Rs 4.5 lakh.

A total of Rs 20 lakh has been allocated to the cluster for this initiative covering four gram panchayats-- Alleti, Sampaje, Ubaradka and Aranthodu.According to Hrithik, around 65 farmers have already been identified to supply raw material for the project and plans are afoot to allocate six SHG members to run the unit, with financial support extended in the form of a loan from the remaining project funds.The entire operation, including procurement, processing and profit-sharing, will be managed by the women’s group, while officials will play a monitoring role, Hrithik added.

Mary, the block manager (non-farm), said within a month, production of all byproducts is expected to begin. Marketing support will be provided through existing outlets, including the Van Dhan centre and Sanjeevini mart in Mangaluru, with a one-year buy-back arrangement also in place with the company that is providing the machinery and technology. Mary added that marketing through online platforms is also being actively pursued.She said while basic extraction needs no training, other products require it. Mohini Vishwanath (Nisha), a Krishi Sakhi from Sampaje, said the initiative is expected to strengthen livelihood opportunities for women. Krishi Sakhis at the gram panchayat level are playing a key role in identifying banana farmers and coordinating supply, she added.