DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS FROM BANANA PSEUDOSTEM (An Overview of Progress)

National Agricultural Innovation Project (Component 2)

NAVSARI AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari

MANTRA

PAPER

Creating lasting impressions

Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai

Manmade Textile Research Association, Surat

JK Paper, Ltd., Songadh

March, 2011

STATUS OF BANANA PSEUDOSTEM BEFORE NAIP

DEVELOPMENT OF VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS FROM BANANA PSEUDOSTEM (An Overview of Progress)
National Agricultural Innovation Project (Component 2)

NAIP Team
NAU, Navsari
Dr. R. G. Patil (CPI) Dr. B. N. Kolambe (CoPI) Shri. S. L. Pawar Dr. D. R. Prajapati Shri. Vijay Anand Dr. C. S. Desai Shri. P. S. Patel Dr. J. M. Patel Er. N. G. Savani Shri. K. K. Patel Shri. H. B. Vaidya Hardik Shah

CIRCOT, Mumbai Dr. A. J. Shaikh Dr. R. P. Nachane (CCPI) Mrs. Manisha Kurhade

MANTRA, Surat Dr. S. K. Basu Shri. M. K. Parikh Dr. S. R. Naik (CCPI)

J. K. PAPER Ltd., Songadh Shri. Radhamohan (CCPI) Shri. Sanjay Chechi Shri. Kamlesh Patel

Consortium Advisory Committee Dr. P. Rethinam, Retd. Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Kochi Dr. R. S. Gandhi, Retd. Director, MANTRA, Surat Dr. M. M. Mustaffa, Director National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy Shri. Arvindbhai K. Naik, Progressive farmer, Padgha (Navsari) Shri. Ashwinbhai B. Patel, Chairman, Banana Cooperative, Kamrej (Surat) Shri. Deepakbhai S. Patel, Chairman Fruit & Vegetable Growers Cooperative, Bardoli (Surat) Shri. Dinesh Zaveri, Industrialist Palsana (Surat) Smt. Deepaben T. Patel, Women SHG, Athwa road, Surat Dr. R. K. Goyal, National Coordinator (Compt. 2) NAIP, New Delhi Dr. A. R. Pathak, Hon. Vice Chancellor Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari Dr. R. G. Patil (CPI)/ Dr. B. N. Kolambe (CoPI) Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari Chairman

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Member Secretary

PREFACE
The Vice Chancellor Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari - 396450 (Gujarat) Banana is one of the important fruit crops grown almost in every state of India (7.1 lakh ha). Apart from fruit, it generates huge quantity of biomass as waste in the form of pseudostem, leaves, suckers etc., of these, on an average about 60 to 80 t/ha is pseudostem alone. Presently, the banana pseudostem is absolute waste in most of the states of India. In order to develop value added products exclusively from banana pseudostem on large scale, a project entitled, A Value Chain on Utilization of Banana Pseudostem for Fibre and Other Value Added Products was sanctioned during June 2008 under World Bank funded - NAIP (Component II), ICAR, New Delhi in consortium mode with Navsari Agricultural University , Navsari (Gujarat) as lead centre and Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR), Mumbai (Maharashtra), Manmade Textile Research Association, Surat (Gujarat) and J. K. Paper Mills Ltd., Songadh (Gujarat) as partners. The value added products viz., fibre, yarn, fabrics, MCC, vermicompost, liquid fertilizer, quality papers, candy and pickles developed/ prepared using banana pseudostem under this project is culmination of the dedicated team efforts put in by the scientists of the consortium. I am happy to note that good beginning has been made in developing variety of value added products using pseudostem and hope that the information generated will be of immense help to the farmers, entrepreneurs, planners, scientists etc. It gives me an immense pleasure in commending the efforts put in by the team of scientists actively involved in this consortium for developing products from banana pseudostem and bringing out this publication on the occasion of Workshop-cum-Training Programme on Potential Value Added Products from Banana Pseudostem.

Place : Navsari March, 2011

(A. R. Pathak) Vice Chancellor

Navsari Agricultural University

INDEX
No. 1 2 INTRODUCTION PSEUDOSTEM PROCESSING 2.1 2.2 3 Fibre extraction Economics of fibre extraction Title Page No. 1 2 3 5 7 7 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 14 15 15 Enriched sap 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.2 6 As liquid fertilizer Nutrient spray solution 16 16 17 18 19 19 19 20 21 21 22 23

FIBRE BASED PRODUCTS 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Fabric Quality grade papers Handmade paper and board Handicrafts Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)

SCUTHER BASED PRODUCTS 4.1 Vermicompost 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.2 As organic As a fish feed

Particle board

SAP 5.1

As mordant

CENTRAL CORE 6.1 6.2 6.3 Candy Ready to serve drink Pickle

TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY 7.1 7.2 7.3 Documentation and dissemination Field demonstration Trainings and visits

1.

INTRODUCTION

In India, about 7.1 lakh ha area is under banana crop with the total fruit production of 26.2 million MT contributing 14.7 per cent of global production, (Anon., 2009). In India, the area under banana is increasing steadily (Fig. 1) because of higher return as compared to other crops. Similarly, with the technological development in banana cultivation, its productivity is also showing rising trend (Fig. 1). Apart from fruit, banana crop also generate huge quantity of biomass in the form of pseudostem, leaves, suckers etc. At present, this biomass particularly pseudostem is absolute waste in most of the states of India and Gujarat is not an exception to this practice. Not only this, but for disposing pseudostem presently farmers are spending about Rs. 8000 to 10000/ha. Disposal of pseudostem in a routine ways i.e., dumping on field bunds and burning, disposing in nalla/natural drains etc. causing environmental problems. The baseline survey conducted in Gujarat covering 53 banana growers during 2008-09 revealed that 33 per cent are either composting the pseudostem or chopping and incorporating it into soil while rest of the farmers are disposing it either on field bunds or in nallas. Among the farmers interviewed, no one knew about preparing any value added
Anonymous (2009) Indian Horti. Data Base, NHB, New Delhi. 1
Area 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

Fig. 1 : Area and production trend of banana in India

7.1
23.8 21.0 13.9 16.7 18.9

30.0
26.2 25.0

5.9 4.7 3.8

14.2 7.8 13.3

5.7

6.0

6.6

4.8

5.0

20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0

Production

1991-92 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Year

Area (lakh ha) Production (million tonnes)

products from it. Further, at national level work related to developing value added products from banana pseudostem is mostly restricted to fibre extraction and products like handicrafts, hand woven fabrics, paper products etc, are prepared on a small scale. With the sizable area under banana (0.61 lakh ha) along with excellent network of banana cooperatives in Gujarat, it was thought to develop variety of value added products from banana pseudostem. In this context, a World Bank funded project entitled, A Value Chain on Utilization of Banana Pseudostem for Fibre and Other Value Added Products was sanctioned by NAIP (ICAR) under Component 2 in consortium mode with Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari as lead centre and Central Institute of Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT, Mumbai), Manmade Textile Research Association (MANTRA, Surat) and JK Paper Ltd. (Songadh) as consortium partners with the following objectives. Standardize processes for extracting textile grade fibres from pseudostem and prepare home furnishings Standardize processes of pulp and paper making from pseudostem, fibres and scutching waste both at hand made and industrial levels Develop value added edible products from central core Preparation and evaluation of enriched sap and scutching waste based vermicompost Develop linkage for marketing of pseudostem based products 2. PSEUDOSTEM PROCESSING After harvesting of fruits and leaves, pseudostem is cut near to the ground level. On an average, the yield of pseudostem ranges from 60 to 80 t/ha. Presently, fibre extraction from pseudostem is being done mostly by hand extraction in villages of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka,
2

Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. The major drawback of this method is extremely poor fibre output (0.5 kg/day/man). In order to mechanize the f ibre extraction from pseudostem, research was carried mainly at CIRCOT, Mumbai (MS). They developed raspador machine which is used for extracting fibres from banana pseudostem easily and quickly. Before extracting fibre using raspador, one has to separate the sheaths from pseudostem by splitting it. The splitting of pseudostem is generally done by knife or koyta which is time consuming. For resolving this problem, NAU, Navsari has developed pseudostem cutter machine which facilitate speedy splitting of pseudostem in to 2 or 4 halves. From these halves, sheaths are separated easily. In general, splitting of Raspador Machine
Pseudostem Cutter Machine

pseudostem manually requires 2.65 minutes/100 kg as against 0.82 minutes /100 kg using pseudostem cutter machine. Such one cutter machine is sufficient for providing sheaths required for four raspador machines. 2.1 Fibre extraction Mechanization of fibre extraction process to suite under farmers' field conditions was one of the main tasks envisaged in this project. Initially 2 raspador units of different capacities (3 HP and 5 HP) were procured and tested at NAU farm. After gaining necessary experience and difficulties encountered in fibre extraction, following refinement and modifications were incorporated by NAU, Navsari in collaboration with CIRCOT, Mumbai during 2008-09.
3

 Additional pulley attachment for operating raspador on power tiller or engine even in absence of power supply. Bigger size wheel attachments for easy mobility of raspador under field conditions Modification of raspador for avoiding pulls back action during fibre extraction

Raspador Machine Operated by Engine

Raspador Machine Operated by Power Tiller

Modified Raspador Machine

In all, 24 raspador and 10 cutter machines were procured and operationalized at NAU and farmers' fields. The details regarding the raspador machines operationalized and quantity of fibres extracted are given in table 1. Table 1 : Details regarding raspador machines and fibres extracted
Fibre Extraction No. of Machines Operationalized Quantity of Fibre Extracted (kg) 1300 Remarks

NAU, Navsari

1 m/c is installed at NAU subcentre Fruit Research Station, Gandevi for its R & D work related to fibre extraction from different varieties. The m/c are shifted from village to village as per farmers demand

Farmers (Through Banana Cooperatives) Total

21

19000

24

20300 4

Fibre Extraction Unit at NAU, Navsari

Fibre Extraction on Farmers' Fields

Kikwad village, Surat district

Rajpipla, Narmada district

2.2

Economics of fibre extraction Based on the work done for first two years, the cost of fibre

extraction from pseudostem was worked out (Table 2). Considering the fibre yield and its selling price, farmers can realize an additional net income of Rs. 23178/ha. Apart from monetary benefits, fibre extraction technology also generates employment in rural areas.
5

Table 2 : Economics of fibre extraction

SN 1 Particulars Variable cost - Labour cost (@ 100 Rs/day/labour) - Energy charges (@ 7 Rs/unit) 2 Fixed cost - Raspador machine (Cost Rs. 100000 with 15 year lifespan + maintenance and repairing @ 2 % + upset value 10 % + interest @ 12%) 3 4 5 6 7 Total cost Fibre yield (dry) Selling price Gross income Net income (6-3) Rs/ha kg/ha Rs/kg Rs/ha Rs/ha 26717 587 85 49895 23178 Rs/ha 1292 Rs/ha Rs/ha 18255 7170 Unit Value (Rs.)

During the process of fibre extraction, four components are obtained simultaneously. These components are fibre (about 600 kg/ha), scutcher (30 to 35 t/ha), sap (15000 to 20000 l/ha) and central core (10 to 12 t/ha). In the present project, using each component variety of value added products have been developed (Flow chart 1). Flow Chart 1 : Banana pseudostem components

SCUTCHER SAP - Vermicompost - Liquid fertilizer - Quality papers - Handmade and nutrient papers and spray - MCC board - Mordant - Handicrafts
6

FIBRE - Fabrics

CENTRAL CORE - Candy - Pickles - RTS

3. FIBRE BASED PRODUCTS Through NAIP intervention, about 20.3 t fibre has been extracted so far. These fibres are used for developing different value added products. 3.1 Fabric One of the major objectives of the project is to standardize the process for extracting textile grade fibre from banana pseudostem and develop different types of fabrics from it. Accordingly, an attempt was made by CIRCOT, Mumbai and MANTRA, Surat to prepare different fabrics and test their quality. As such banana fibres being coarse, it is not possible to spin these fibres on conventional spinning system. As the properties of banana fibres resemble to some extent with jute fibre, it was tried to spin the banana fibre on jute spinning system at Kolkata (WB). Through collaborative efforts of CIRCOT, Mumbai and NAU, Navsari, so far 2.76 t banana fibre yarn has been prepared. The yarn samples were tested for quality parameters and based on the quality of yarn, different fabrics were prepared by MANTRA, Surat and CIRCOT, Mumbai. The details regarding products prepared by both the partners are given in table 3. Table 3 : Fibre based products developed by the partners
SN 1 2 Partner MANTRA, Surat CIRCOT, Mumbai Products Fabrics, synthetic based/ laminated fabrics, apparels prepared from fabrics Yarn, fabrics, non woven fabric, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)

The quality parameters of yarn given in table 4 indicate that it is thick with poor linearity and protruded fibres. Table 4 : Tensile properties of banana yarn
Breaking Breaking load (kg) extension (%) 7.23 3.84 Tex Tenacity (g/tex) 10.8 7 Count TPI U (%)

6.70

0.9

3.3

23.5

Because of these problems, it cannot be used directly for preparing fabrics. Hence, numbers of processes were followed by MANTRA, Surat for minimizing protruded fibres and making the fabrics smooth as well as soft. After this, an union fabric was prepared by using cotton yarn in wrap and banana fibre yarn as weft. They also prepared synthetic leather which can be used as sofa cover, car cover, school bags etc. At CIRCOT, Mumbai woven and non woven fabrics were prepared by using 100 per cent banana fibre. The fabrics prepared were also dyed and tested for quality parameters.

Fabric

Apparels

Laminated fabric

Synthetic laminated fabric

Non woven fabric

In addition to these efforts, for improving pliability of banana fibre, 10 per cent jute fibre were mixed and yarn was prepared. It is planned to develop different products using this yarn (90:10 banana: jute). Simultaneously, for resolving the problems faced in yarn preparation from banana fibre, necessary modifications in yarn machine were done by CIRCOT, Mumbai. One such modified yarn machine with 8 spindles has been installed at CIRCOT, Mumbai, where R & D trial are in progress. Similarly, one more modified version of yarn machine with 16 spindle has been installed at NAU, Navsari. It is anticipated that by using these machines, better quality yarn can be obtained. Subsequently, high value fabrics will be Yarn spinning m/c developed.
8

3.2

Quality grade papers The trials for optimization of bleaching and pulping conditions

for preparing quality paper using banana fibre have been conducted by JK Paper Ltd., Songadh. The sheets of various grades (bleached and unbleached) have been prepared and their quality was tested by JK Paper, Songadh and CIRCOT, Mumbai. Paper prepared from fibre was found to have better quality than that from paper prepared from whole pseudostem. Process for developing quality grade papers viz., antigrease and cheque has been standardized. The banana fibre can be an alternative raw material for paper industries. This is amply evident from the quality parameter data reported in table 5.
Table 5 : Comparison of bleached pulp of banana pseudostem fibre with other commonly used raw materials in paper industry Particulars Bulk Tear factor Brust factor Breaking length Double fold No. 30 12 20 1389 Unit Cc/gm M Bamboo Eucalyptus Prosopis Banana Fibre 1.33 66 35 5100 1.45 60 30 4900 51 36 5146 1.22 86 79 4931

Anti grease paper

9

Cheque paper

3.3

Handmade paper and board Apart from quality paper at industrial scale, one handmade paper

and board unit has been commissioned at NAU, Navsari (cap.: 100 kg/day).

Operation of handmade paper & board unit

In this unit, variety of paper and board have been prepared using banana fibre, scutcher, cotton rags, waste paper and paddy straw in varying proportion. The quality of these papers have been tested at CIRCOT, Mumbai and reported in table 6. So far about 1000 kg paper have been prepared. Using these paper and board, different articles like file cover, writing pad, art paper, printing paper, folder etc., have been prepared.

Stationary items prepared using banana fibre + cotton rags, waste papers and paddy straw

10

Table 6 : Physical quality parameters of handmade paper

Raw materials used (kg) G.S.M. (g/m2) Burst Breaking factor length (kg/cm2) (m) 31.72 38.83 25.34 4140 3117 2321 Double fold (nos.) 5000 3000 1300

Banana fibre - Yellow dye (100%) Banana fibre - white thick (100%) Banana fibre (50%) + white cotton rag (50%) - Thick Banana fibre (50%) + white cotton rag (50%) dyed - Thin Banana fibre (10%) + coloured cotton rag (30%) + paddy straw (30%) + waste paper (30%) Banana fibre (50%) + cotton rag coloured (50%)

145 309 513

146

36.99

2604

300

335

19.10

2334

115

335

20.90

1786

320

3.4

Handicrafts

Apart from this, various handicrafts items have been prepared using banana fibres by Manav Kalyan Trust, Navsari. Handicrafts items include various types of decorative wall hangings, bags, dolls, key chains etc. As a part of technology transfer, one training with respect to this have been imparted to women SHG, Chaswad. Handicraft items prepared from banana fibre

Banana fibre articles

Painting made on banana fibre paper

11

3.5

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) At CIRCOT, Mumbai process for extracting MCC from banana

fibre has been standardised. The quality of MCC extracted from banana fibre is comparable with commercially available MCC. This suggests that MCC extracted from banana fibre can be used in pharmaceutical industries. So the banana fibre can be a viable alternative raw material for MCC (Table 7). The techno-economic feasibility of using MCC extracted from banana fibre in pharmaceutical industry is in progress. Table 7 : Chemical constituents (%) of cellulose powder extracted from banana pseudostem fibre a - cellulose 59 4. b - cellulose 37 y - cellulose 4 Ash 1.1

SCUTCHER BASED PRODUCTS

Huge quantity of scutcher (about 30 to 35 t/ha) is generated during fibre extraction. In order to utilize this scutcher in proper way, process for preparing following value added products has been standardized. 4.1 Vermicompost

At NAU, process has been standardized for vermicompost preparation using pseudostem scutcher and dungs. Vermicompost with scutching waste: cow dung ratio of 70:30 was found to be an ideal in terms of nutrient content. One acre unit has been established at NAU farm and about 100 tonnes of vermicompost has been harvested so far. The vermicompost prepared had been tested for its quality and is being marketed in the NAU trade name NAUROJI. In order to know its viability vis-a-vis FYM or biocompost (press mud based), cost of production of vermicompost was computed (Table 8).
12

Table 8 : Economics of vermicompost (12000 kg/ha)

SN 1 Variable cost Scutcher, 30 t/ha (@ Rs. 0.25/kg labour charges) Dung, 12 t/ha (@ Rs. 0.75/kg) Earthworm Labour cost (bed preparation, watering, harvesting, processing) Bagging 2 Fixed cost Net house (@ Rs.300/sqm) Maintenance and repairing (@ 1.0%) 3 4 5 6 7 Total cost for vermicompost Vermicompost yield Selling price Gross income Net income (6-3) Rs Rs Rs kg Rs/kg Rs Rs 4400 400 32200 12000 5 60000 27800 Rs 1200 Rs Rs Rs 9000 700 9000 Rs 7500 Particulars Unit Value (Rs.)

4.1.1

As organics : Experiments as well as demonstrations are being

conducted at NAU farm and farmers' fields, respectively on various crops like sugarcane, banana, papaya, ginger etc. using scutcher based vermicompost. Based on the 2 years (2009-10 and 2010-11) pooled results, pseudostem based vermicompost was found comparable with FYM and biocompost in banana as well as sugarcane. Application of vermicompost @ 3 kg /plant in banana and 5 t/ha in sugarcane in addition to RDF recorded comparable yields of both the crops with FYM and biocompost (Figs. 2 & 3). Use of vermicompost also sustains soil health.
13

Fig. 2 : Effect of organics on yield of banana (t/ha) - Pooled (2 years)

80 70 60
50

CD (0.05) = 8.15

Yield (t/ha)

40
30

66.8

65.3

61.9

70.6

66.7

57.9

20 10 0
T1-FYM @ 5 kg/plant + RDF T2-BC @ 3 kg/plant + RDF T3-VC @ 1.5 kg/ plant + RDF T4-VC @ 3.0 kg/ plant + RDF T5-VC @ 5.0 kg/ plant + RDF
T6-Only RDF (No organics)

Treatments
FYM= Farm Yard Manure BC = Biocompost VC = Vermicompost

Fig. 3 : Effect of organics on yield of sugarcane (t/ha) - Pooled (2 years)

200 150 100 50 0
T1 - FYM @ 20 t/ha + RDF T2 - BC @ 15 t/ha + RDF T3 - VC @ 5 t/ha + RDF T4 - VC @ 10 t/ha + RDF T5 - VC @ 15 t/ha + RDF T6 - Only RDF (No organics)

CD (0.05) = NS

Yield (t/ha)

174

163

175

176

181

163

Treatments
FYM= Farm Yard Manure BC = Biocompost VC = Vermicompost

4.1.2

As a fish feed : An innovative experiment is being conducted to

explore the feasibility of blending vermicompost with fish feed. The results of first year have revealed that the routine fish feed (cattle feed) can be substituted by vermicompost up to 30 per cent without any reduction in body weight of fish (Fig. 4).
14

Fig. 4 : Effect of replacement of scutching waste based vermicompost on fish weight (at 120 days)
100
80
Weight (g)

60
90.25

40
49.20 49.90

66.76 46.24

20 0
T1 - 10 % Vermicompost + 90 % Cattle feed T2 - 20 % Vermicompost + 80 % Cattle feed T3 - 30 % Vermicompost + 70 % Cattle feed

T4 - 100 % Cattle feed (Control)

T5 - 50 % G'nut cake + 50 % Rice bran (Recommeded)

Treatments

For efficient utilization of fish feed, presently pelleting of vermicompost is being done using local machine. A demonstration has also been laid on farmer's field to validate the results on large scale.

Pelleting of vermicompost

Fish feed experiment at NAU

Demonstration on farmers' field

4.2

Particle board

Particle board prepared using scutching waste by CIRCOT, Mumbai.

5.

SAP

Earlier reviews have indicated that sap has found to contain fair amount of nutrient in it. With respect to this, NAU has been conducting experiments to test sap as liquid fertilizer and nutrient spray. About 15,000 to 20,000 litres of sap can be extracted from one hectare of pseudostem. NAU and CIRCOT have been developing technologies for using this sap in a profitable way.
15

5.1

Enriched sap

The process for enrichment of sap is being standardized. Sap of about 2500 litres have been prepared and distributed among the farmers for demonstration. The composition of the enriched sap is given here. Apart from essential plant nutrient, it also contains growth promoting substances viz., GA and cytokinin.
Sap type Total N Fresh Sap Enriched sap 4.2 119
Composition (ppm)

P 35.1 50.4

K 1223 1289

5.1.1 As liquid fertilizer : Sap extracted from pseudostem was evaluated as liquid fertilizer through filed experiments for two years in crops like banana, papaya, sugarcane etc. The pooled results indicated that with the application of sap saving of about 20 to 40 per cent RDF could be achieved without affecting the yields of banana and sugarcane. The rate of application of sap is 3 l/plant and 5000 l/ha to banana and sugarcane, respectively (Figs. 5 & 6).
Fig. 5 : Effect of sap and fertilizer levels on yield of banana (Pooled - 2 years)

CD (0.05) = 6.54

80 67.5 58.3

Yield (t/ha)

70.4

70 60
50

60.8

60.4

59.9

68.1

62.1

67.5
S3 (4 L/PLANT) S2 (3 L/PLANT) S1 (2 L/PLANT)

40
30
F1 (60 % OF RDF) F2 (80 % OF RDF) F3 (100 % OF RDF)

RDF = 180: 90: 180 g NPK/ plant

16

Fig. 6 : Effect of sap and fertilizer levels on yield of sugarcane (Pooled - 2 years)

200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0

CD (0.05) = NS

184

182

Yield (t/ha)

172

175

170

171

170

188

183

S3 (15000 L/ha) S2 (10000 L/ha) S1 (5000 L/ha)

F1 (60 % OF RDF)

F2 (80 % OF RDF)

F3 (100 % OF RDF)

RDF = 250: 125: 125 kg NPK / ha

5.1.2 Nutrient spray solution : Trials have been conducted using sap as a nutrient spray in vegetable nurseries (brinjal and chillies) under green house condition. The results indicated that spraying of either enriched sap + vermibed wash (1:1) on vegetable seedling resulted in achieving early transplantable stage by 8 to 10 days as compared to no spray (Fig. 7).
Fig. 7 : Effect of sap vermi bedwash on days to transplantable stage of brinjal and chillies seedlings
45.0 40.0 35.0 30.0 25.0 20.0 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0

Days

39.0

38.5

32.0

35.5

36.0

29.0

29.5

30.5

24.5

23.5

27.0

27.5

31.5

41.5

Brinjal Chillies

T1 - Sap (S)

T2 - Vermi bed wash (V)

T3 Enriched sap

T4 - 1:1 (S:V)

T5 - 1:2 (S:V)

T6 - 2:1 (S:V)

T7 Control

Treatments

17

Another experiment is in progress for studying the effect of banana sap spray on mango fruit setting. First year (2009-10) data indicated that spraying of sap + vermibed wash (1:1) recorded higher fruit setting in mango (6.59%) as compared to control (4.62%) (Fig 8). The second year (2010-11) experiment is in progress.
Fig. 8 : Effect of sap spray on mango fruit setting
1.4 1.2
% fruit setting

5.55*

6.11

6.59

0.8

5.51

5.52

0.6 0.4 0.2 0

5.82

T1 - Sap alone

*Absolute values

T2 Vermibed wash alone

T3 Enriched sap alone

T4 - Sap : Vermibed wash (1:1)

T5 - Sap : Vermibed wash (2:1)

T6 - Sap : Vermibed wash (1:2)

T7 Control (No spray)

Treatments

C.D. (0.05) = 0.99

5.2

As mordant

At CIRCOT, Mumbai trials were conducted for using sap as mordant in textile dying. Laboratory scale trial has been completed to test sap as mordant with natural dyes like manjistha and annatto. The test results have indicated good fastening properties of these dyes when used with sap. This is one of the innovations attempted in the project. The process for using sap as mordant has been standardized at CIRCOT, Mumbai.

Dyed fabric with sap

Dyed fabric without sap

18

4.62

6. CENTRAL CORE Central core is inner most tender portion of the pseudostem which is edible. About 10 to 12 t/ha central core can be obtained. NAU has standardized processes for developing edible products viz., candy, RTS and pickles. Further, it is planned to train the farmers and women SHGs for preparing these products on a large scale. 6.1 Candy

The process for developing candy has been standardized and pilot scale production is in progress at NAU. The product developed has been tested for its nutritional parameters at CFTRI, Mysore. Until 2010, 48 kg candy of different quality and flavor has been prepared and distributed. This candy has an additional advantage as it contains Fe and vitamin (B3 & B5) in appreciable amount (Table 9).

Chocolate coated candy

Milk coated candy

6.2

Ready to served drink

The soft drinks are being prepared from sugar syrup left out during candy preparation as well as directly from central core sap. The drinks prepared are fortified with flavours which have been standardized and certification of RTS in referral lab is in progress. In all, 520 glass (150 ml) i.e., total 78 litres RTS have been sold during Krishi Mela, 2010 organized at NAU, Navsari by GoG.
19

Table 9 : Quality parameters of candy prepared from central core

Parameters Moisture Total ash Protein Fat Crude fibre Carbohydrates Calorific value Total sugars Dietary fibre - Insoluble fibre - Soluble fibre - Total fibre K Na Ca Mg Fe Vitamin (Niacin B3) Vitamin (Pantothenic acid B5) % % % % % % % mg/kg (mg/100g) (mg/100g) 2.77 1.18 3.95 0.20 0.42 1.37 2.22 643 34.1 86.4 Unit % % % % % mg/100 g K.cals/100 g % Content 2.3 0.6 4.1 0.45 0.9 46.8 390 85.4

6.3

Pickles

Pickle preparation by blending of central core with fruits and vegetables are being standardized. Shelf life study has been completed and quality testing is under progress.
20

7. TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY 7.1 Documentation and dissemination Efforts were made to disseminate the information about the various products developed during the project period through presentations in conferences, seminars and workshops. Apart from this, articles were published in local as well as national newspapers, magazines, posters, booklets etc. The list of publications brought out and dissemination materials developed is given in table 10. Received best oral presentation award Value added products developed from banana pseudostem during Global conference on Banana held at Thiruchirapalli.
Table 10 : List of publications and dissemination material
Particulars No(s).

Presentation in seminar, workshop and conferences News paper Souvenir, farmers' magazine etc. Posters, translide boxes, flex posters, scroller screen display Folders, booklet, reports etc. Different internet websites (through PTI) Video documentation Website
21

5 (CIRCOT), 7 (NAU)

11 3 14

7 15 2 www.nau.in

Documentation and publications

7.2

Field demonstration (scutching waste based vermicompost and sap)

During 2010-11, field demonstrations were laid on farmers' fields using scutching waste based vermicompost. In all 20 demonstrations were laid in crops like banana, sugarcane, papaya and ginger in major banana growing areas of South Gujarat.

22

Training and visits For dissemination of technologies among the farmers on a mass scale, following efforts have been made Participating in Krishi Melas, 2009 & 2010 wherein NAIP activities were displayed in the stalls. Organizing training related to fibre extraction and vermicompost preparation (6 nos.-387 farmers) Separate training to women SHGs on handicraft preparation from banana fibre (1 no.- 17 women) Attending various farmers meet organized by Banana cooperatives of South Gujarat (3 nos.) Visiting farmers' fields and cooperatives (78 nos.) Organized demonstrations on farmers' fields related to use of scutching waste based vermicompost and sap in different crops. (20 nos.) Visit of farmers, ministers, dignitaries and scientists from ICAR and SAU, private entrepreneurs etc., to NAIP sites at NAU, Navsari (1469 nos.).

7.3

Meeting at Farmers Cooperative, Gadat

Global conference on banana at Trichy

Training at Muthianagar, Jalgaon (MS)

NAIP activity display during Krishi Mela, 2010

Farmers' visit to NAIP site from Jalgaon (MS)

Shri. Dilip Sanghani (Agri. Minister, GoG) and Dr. S. A. Patil visiting NAIP site

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Potential products developed from banana pseudostem and their possible stakeholders

Pseudostem component

Potential products

Lead centre / partners MANTRA, Surat

Stake holders

Linkages explored for marketing of the products

Fibre

Fabrics and their products

Textile industries

MANTRA, Surat has strong linkages with Surat Textile industries. Welspun Industry, Vapi Textile Research and Application Development Centre (Grasim, Birla), Bharuch JK Paper Mill itself has well established marketing network Accent Microcell Ind. Ltd., Ahmedabad

Quality papers

JK Paper Mills, Songadh CIRCOT, Mumbai

Paper industries

Microcryst alline cellulose Handmade paper

Pharma ceutical industries Handmade paper units /Stationary traders Farmers

NAU, Navsari

Stationary products developed is marketed within the University

Sap

Liquid fertilizer and nutrient spray Mordant

NAU, Navsari

Farmers/ banana cooperatives

CIRCOT, Mumbai NAU, Navsari

Textile (Dyeing) Farmers / Fish farmers Food processing industry

Textile Industries

Scutcher

Vermi compost

Farmers/ banana cooperatives

Central core

Edible products (candy, pickles, RTS)

NAU, Navsari

Farmers/ banana cooperatives

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VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS DEVELOPED FROM BANANA PSEUDOSTEM - NAIP INTERVENTIONS

Fibre extraction using raspador m/c

Banana Pseudostem

Pseudostem splitting

Fish feed

Scutcher

Vermicompost

Apparel

Fabric

Banana fibre yarn

Sap

Liquid fertilizer

Papers

Banana fibre

Central core

Candy

MCC

Handicrafts

RTS

Pickles

BANANA PSEUDOSTEM PROCESSING UNIT - NAU, NAVSARI

For further details, please contact :Research Scientist Soil and Water Management Research Unit, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari - 396 450 (Gujarat) Phone : (02637) 292103 Email : naipnau_nvs@yahoo.com Principal Scientist and Head (TTD) Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Adenwala road, Matunga, Mumbai - 400 019 Phone : (022) 24127273 Email : drrpnachane@hotmail.com

Director R & D MANTRA, Near Textile Market, Telephone exchange, Ring Road, Surat - 395 002 (Gujarat) Phone : (0261) 2323211 Email : director@mantrasurat.org

General Manager (PR, Plantation & Admn.), JK. Paper Ltd., Unit- Central Pulp Mills, PO : Central Pulp Mills, Songadh - 394 660, Dist. Tapi (Gujarat)