HYDERABAD, Sep 09 (APP):Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam and Worldwide Manpower Resources (WMR) are exploring collaboration in banana fiber technology to turn agricultural waste into value-added products, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable agriculture in Sindh. The initiative aims to make productive use of banana plants and post-harvest residues, much of which is currently discarded, by developing fiber for industrial and commercial applications. WMR Chief Executive Officer and former Director …
SAU, WMR explore collaboration to develop banana fiber technology
HYDERABAD, Sep 09 (APP):Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam and Worldwide Manpower Resources (WMR) are exploring collaboration in banana fiber technology to turn agricultural waste into value-added products, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable agriculture in Sindh.
The initiative aims to make productive use of banana plants and post-harvest residues, much of which is currently discarded, by developing fiber for industrial and commercial applications.
WMR Chief Executive Officer and former Director General of NADRA Ehtasham Shahid visited SAU to review the university’s research and practical work in banana fiber extraction and product development. The visit was coordinated by Dr Aasia Akbar Panhwar, Adviser/Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC).
During the visit, Shahid toured the university’s Banana Fiber Extraction Unit and the Institute of Food Sciences and Technology, where he was briefed on research activities, fiber extraction techniques and efforts to develop value-added products.
Discussions with Dean, Faculty of Crop Production, Dr Inayatullah Rajper and Dr Shokat Ali Abro focused on the possibility of launching pilot projects in banana fiber technology with foreign investment support.
Dr Rajper said banana cultivation should be viewed beyond fruit production, noting that the plant and its residues could provide an important source of industrial raw material. He said developing banana fiber technology could transform agricultural waste into an economically valuable resource while creating opportunities for farmers, new industries and crop diversification.
He added that SAU could provide the research and technical expertise needed to take banana fiber technology from the laboratory to commercial-scale production, opening new avenues for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Shahid appreciated the university’s research and practical initiatives, saying banana fiber had considerable potential in both domestic and international markets. He said foreign investment in pilot projects could help establish a viable commercial model, generate employment and unlock economic value from agricultural waste.
Dr Aasia Panhwar said the university was committed to ensuring that its research extended beyond laboratories and translated into practical technologies and solutions for farmers, industry and society. She said ORIC was actively facilitating university-industry linkages, promoting research commercialization and exploring partnerships with local and international organizations.
