Meet Manipur’s Dr. Annupama Who is Turning Banana Waste Into Sustainable Gold

Her innovative work is creating new livelihood opportunities and promoting sustainable development in the region.

By Moirangthem Nganbarel

Dr. Atom Annupama Devi, an Assistant Professor at Pravapati College, Manipur, is leading a groundbreaking initiative to convert banana pseudostem waste into eco-friendly handloom, handicrafts, and organic products. Her innovative work is creating new livelihood opportunities and promoting sustainable development in the region.

Dr. Annupama’s journey toward this sustainable model began during her Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology at Mizoram University, where she researched the classification and characterisation of banana genetic resources in Manipur. Her findings highlighted the immense potential of banana pseudostem fibers, which are typically discarded despite their high tensile strength and eco-friendly properties.

Motivated to translate her academic research into practical benefits, Dr. Annupama founded Chankorb Private Limited on January 5, 2024 and received assistance from BIG-NE to begun its operations. The company is named after two indigenous banana varieties Chan (from Musa balbisiana) and Korb (from Musa acuminata).

Transforming Banana Waste into Value
Her team has made remarkable progress in the handloom and handicrafts sector. Fine-quality banana fibers are extracted and used to weave eco-friendly textiles such as Phi, Phanek, Kurta, Pheijom, and Legyan. These traditional textiles are highly valued in Manipuri culture and are now being crafted using sustainable materials, giving them an eco-friendly twist.

Additionally, banana fibers are used to create handicraft products, including bags, ropes, and home decor items like table runners and wall hangings. This initiative promotes sustainable fashion and home furnishings while providing employment to local weavers and artisans.

She has introduced banana pseudostem as a substrate for mushroom cultivation. The nutrient-rich content of banana stems makes them an excellent organic medium for mushroom farming, enhancing productivity and reducing agricultural waste. Traditionally, mushroom growers in Manipur have relied on paddy straw as a growing medium, but banana pseudostem offers a more sustainable and readily available alternative. This initiative not only boosts mushroom yields but also creates an additional income stream for farmers.

They produces liquid biofertilisers from banana pseudostem extracts. These natural fertilisers provide essential nutrients to crops, improving soil health and reducing the dependence on chemical fertilisers. The use of biofertilisers enhances agricultural sustainability and promotes organic farming practices. Dr. Annupama highlighted that farmers using Chankorb’s biofertilisers have reported improved crop yields and healthier soil conditions.

They uses banana pseudostem liquids as natural mordants in the textile dyeing process. This method enables the production of vibrant, chemical-free fabrics, which are in high demand in the sustainable fashion industry. Unlike synthetic dyes, which are often harmful to the environment, banana-based mordants provide a natural and eco-friendly alternative, aligning with the growing global trend toward sustainable textiles.

Her team is repurposing banana fibers as fillers for pillows and cushions. The fibrous content of banana pseudostems provides a soft yet durable alternative to synthetic stuffing materials. The biodegradable nature of banana fibers makes them an environmentally friendly choice for home furnishings. The company is also exploring other innovative uses for banana waste, including the production of disposable paper plates and cups, which are expected to hit the market by May.

Maximizing Value from Banana Waste
Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Dr. Annupama stressed that she focus on sustainability goes beyond just product creation. She pointed out that even the lower-grade fibers that are not suitable for handloom production are being used to make paper and organic mushroom-growing substrates.

Additionally, banana root powder is being processed into a candy-like product, demonstrating the versatility of banana waste. “We aim to ensure that every part of the banana plant is utilised effectively, leaving no waste behind,” Dr. Annupama said.

The early success of her products has been encouraging. The handloom products have received good grading certification from the authorities, reflecting the quality and durability of the textiles. “Our products are tested in different labs to ensure high standards. The fact that we are using natural fibers also adds to their appeal among eco-conscious consumers,” Dr. Annupama said.

Employment and Economic Impact
Currently, she employs 7–8 daily wage workers, including family members, who are involved in the production and processing of banana fibers. The company’s operations are still largely manual, but Dr. Annupama is optimistic about scaling up production once technological support and funding are secured. “If we receive financial assistance from relevant authorities, we can improve our production capacity and create more employment opportunities for local communities,” she noted.

Dr. Annupama believes that the potential for banana-based products extends far beyond Manipur. She highlighted that banana cultivation is widespread across the Northeast, yet much of the banana plant, especially the pseudostem, is discarded as waste. By establishing a sustainable model for utilising banana waste, Her team is setting an example for other states and industries. “There is a huge scope for expansion if we can raise awareness and provide training to farmers and artisans. This will not only generate income but also reduce environmental waste,” she said.

“We need to change the mindset of relying only on government jobs. There are many innovative research ideas in our state that can be translated into reality. We need to focus on creating sustainable business models that benefit society and the environment,” she said.

Looking ahead, Dr. Annupama plans to diversify its product line further and explore export opportunities. She said that the growing global demand for sustainable and biodegradable products presents a significant market opportunity.

Dr. Annupama’s pioneering efforts have the potential to reshape sustainable production in Manipur and beyond. By creating value from agricultural waste, she is not only contributing to the circular economy but also improving the livelihoods of farmers and artisans. Her work serves as a model for other businesses seeking to balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility.

Also Read: Yaoshang, Manipur’s Unique Holi: A Blend of Sporting Events, Thabal Chongba and Colours

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