From Waste to Wealth: Garo Hills Harnesses Banana and Pineapple Fibres for Sustainable Livelihoods

Shillong, Dec 16: A quiet revolution is taking shape—not through conventional cash crops but through the humble threads of banana and pineapple fibres. What was once seen as agricultural waste is now a pathway to economic empowerment for local communities.

The Textile and Apparel Designing (TAD) Department of the College of Community Science (CCS), Tura, recently hosted two transformative ten-day vocational training programs on “Empowering Livelihoods through Non-Conventional Fiber Processing and Value Addition.”

These programs, sponsored by ICAR-NINFET (National Institute Of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology), Kolkata, were not just about teaching techniques—they were about reimagining livelihoods. The training, guided by Dr Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean, CCS, Tura, and Dr. Anupama Mishra, HOD, TAD, CCS, Tura, provided 46 eager participants with technical know-how and entrepreneurial skills essential for launching a new, sustainable fibre-based economy in the region.

The Fiber Revolution

For generations, banana and pineapple cultivation in the Garo Hills was primarily focused on fruit production. However, with the growing global demand for sustainable materials, attention has shifted to their fibres, known as PALF (Pineapple Leaf Fiber) and banana fibre. Unlike synthetic fibres that contribute to pollution, these natural fibres are biodegradable, renewable, and versatile. Their use spans from high-end textiles to eco-friendly handicrafts.

Participants learned to extract fibres from banana pseudostems and pineapple leaves—once discarded as waste—and process them into raw materials for textiles, ropes, mats, paper, and artisanal handicrafts.

Pineapple Fibres

“Banana fibre of the wild banana pseudostem has a unique sheen. The coarser types can be suitably pulped and converted to nonwoven sheets, which can replace plastic-based packaging material,” said Dr. Jyoti Vastrad.

She noted that the Pineapple Leaf Fibre (PALF) of the Garo Hills is finer and could attract demand in the apparel and accessory industries.

Under the expert guidance of Dr Nilimesh Mridha, Senior Scientist at ICAR-NINFET, participants discovered the science of fibre extraction, sustainable wet processing, and the art of creating marketable products. Practical demonstrations and lectures ensured that even first-time learners could master these skills.

“The infrastructure created here at the College of Community Science for fibre extraction from pineapple leaves, banana pseudostems, sisal leaves, flax, and jute/ribbon ramie will not only support teaching but also serve as a one-stop incubation centre for eco-friendly fibre-based startups in the Garo Hills region,” Dr. Vastrad added.

Turning Hands-on Training into Livelihoods

For most of the 46 trainees, the experience was eye-opening. The fibres they had once overlooked suddenly became threads of opportunity. “I had no idea we could create such beautiful products from waste,” said a participant, now inspired to start her own fibre handicraft unit.

The sessions also delved into financial literacy, with lessons on enterprise development and market linkages. By the end of the program, many participants expressed a desire to establish small home-based enterprises for fibre-based crafts.

Made in Garo Hills: A Vision for the Future

As small enterprises take root, there is hope to see “Made in Garo Hills” fibre products showcased on the shelves of eco-conscious markets worldwide. The initiative aims to turn Garo Hills into a hub for sustainable, fibre-based crafts, creating new opportunities for local women, farmers, and artisans to achieve self-reliance and economic stability.

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