CSIR-NIIST develops technology for banana fibre extraction

The National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) here has developed the technology for extracting banana fibre from pseudo stems (leftover banana trunk) and empty bunches. Banana fibre is in demand to make textiles, yarn, paper, paper cups, cordage, tea bags, handbags and footwear. NIIST, a constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has applied for the patent of this innovation and is ready to transfer the technology to those ready to exploit it commercially, R.S. Praveen Raj, a CSIR-NIIST scientist, told IANS. "The technology developed by CSIR-NIIST involves an anaerobic (oxygen-less) process mediated through microbial action. Banana pseudo stems and empty bunches are soaked in a tank for four to six days and the soaked liquor is circulated through an attached anaerobic reactor," Raj said. New technique allows easier extraction of banana fibreClick here for full story