In a continued effort to bring technology and value-added opportunities closer to grassroots communities, a Farmers’ Mobilization and Awareness Programme was organized on 11th April 2025 at the Serchhip Press Club, Mizoram. The event was conducted by North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), Shillong an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The programme witnessed the participation of 50 local farmers and stakeholders, including 37 women and 13 men, reflecting strong community interest and notable female participation.
Key attendees included Mr. Kapliana Pachuau, Journalist, Editor of Serchhip Times, and Chairman of Zawlpui Serchhip FPC; and Mr. Lawmhlira Ralte, Correspondent, Doordarshan Kendra (DDK), Serchhip District.
The session focused on sensitizing farmers to the potential of banana pseudostem processing, covering key topics such as sustainable banana cultivation practices, the significance and properties of the pseudostem, advantages of banana fiber, stages of fiber extraction, water usage, and emerging business opportunities. Participants were also introduced to the project that NECTAR is implementing titled “A Value Chain on Utilization of Banana Pseudo Stem for Value-Added Products” under the PM-DevINE Scheme funded by the Ministry of DoNER. Under this project, NECTAR is constructing a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in Serchhip for extraction of fibre from banana pseudo stem and other value-added products and banana-based vegan leather. This program has generated immense interest among the farmers in the zero-waste system.
This awareness program supports the main goals of the PM-DevINE scheme helping farmers grow stronger, encouraging development that includes everyone, and bringing modern facilities closer to villages across the North Eastern Region.
