Banana waste to livelihoods: Common facility centre opens in Arunachal to promote rural enterprise and sustainability

The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, on Tuesday inaugurated a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh under the PM-DevINE scheme of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER).

The facility has been established under the project titled “NECTAR Livelihood Improvement Project – A Value Chain on Utilization of Banana Pseudostem for Value-Added Products,” aimed at converting agricultural waste into sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development, enterprise promotion and value addition.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of the North Eastern Council (NEC) Tenzing Norbu Thongdok as the chief guest. Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Gegong Apang, former Union Minister of State for Tourism Omak Apang, Joint Secretary in the Department of Science and Technology A. Dhanalakshmi, East Siang Deputy Commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, IAS, and Special Secretary of Assam’s Science and Technology Department Dr P. L. N. Raju were among the dignitaries present.

Addressing the gathering, NECTAR Director General Dr Arun Kumar Sarma said the initiative seeks to address the issue of agricultural waste management by converting banana pseudostem, which is usually discarded, into commercially viable products such as natural fibre, biodegradable sheets and handmade paper.

He stated that the project has strong potential for replication across the Northeast and could contribute to both environmental sustainability and rural income generation.

Speaking at the event, Tenzing Norbu Thongdok said initiatives focused on value addition to locally available resources are important for unlocking the economic potential of the Northeastern region. He noted that technology-driven interventions combined with skill development can improve rural incomes and support sustainable industrial growth.

Thongdok further said Common Facility Centres would play an important role in strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and advancing the vision of an “Aatmanirbhar North East”.

Former Chief Minister Gegong Apang appreciated NECTAR’s efforts in bringing technology-based interventions to rural communities and said such projects create livelihood opportunities while empowering farmers and youth through the integration of traditional practices with modern technology.

Former Union Minister Omak Apang said the initiative could create new opportunities for rural enterprises and eco-friendly products with potential market linkages and tourism-driven demand in the region. He stressed the importance of promoting sustainable and locally manufactured products at a wider scale.

Highlighting the role of science and technology in regional development, A. Dhanalakshmi said the project demonstrated how research-led innovations could be translated into field-level applications benefiting farmers and entrepreneurs.

Following the inauguration, dignitaries visited the facility and witnessed live demonstrations of banana fibre extraction machinery installed at the centre. They also interacted with local entrepreneurs, farmers and self-help groups associated with the project.

According to officials, the centre has been designed with a focus on technology deployment, skill enhancement, capacity building and enterprise development.

The East Siang facility is one among twelve Common Facility Centres planned under the PM-DevINE initiative. Officials said the project reflects the Government’s continued focus on technology-driven and inclusive development across the Northeastern region while promoting sustainable resource utilisation and rural entrepreneurship.