The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, inaugurated a Common Facility Centre (CFC) today at Boko, Kamrup, Assam.
The Common Facility Centre (CFC) has been constructed by NECTAR, funded by the Ministry of DoNER under PM-DevINE scheme. The facility aims to convert banana pseudostem, an agricultural by-product often treated as waste, into value-added products while promoting sustainable livelihoods through skill development, entrepreneurship, value addition, and rural enterprise development.
The inauguration ceremony was held today in Jawaharlal Nehru College, Boko and was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Raju Mesh, MLA, Boko-Chaygaon (ST) Constituency; Shri Satinder Kumar Bhalla, ITS, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India; Ms. Arumugam Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; Dr. Jaideep Baruah, Director, Assam Science Technology and Environment Council (ASTEC), Government of Assam; Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Tezpur University; and Shri G. Ramesh Kumar, CGM, NABARD, Assam Regional Office.
The programme was also attended by senior officials and representatives from various Central and State Government organizations. On the occasion, NECTAR and Jawaharlal Nehru College, Boko, signed an Institutional Collaboration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in skill development, technology dissemination, research, innovation, and community outreach. The programme also witnessed the launch of a Skill Development Course on Drone Maintenance Technician, aimed at developing industry-relevant technical skills and enhancing employment opportunities for the youth of the region.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR, highlighted the significance of the initiative in addressing a critical challenge in agricultural waste management. He noted that banana pseudostem, traditionally discarded after harvest, can be transformed into marketable products such as natural fiber, biodegradable sheets, and handmade paper. He further emphasized the model’s potential for replication across the Northeastern region, creating opportunities for environmental sustainability, income generation, and rural economic development.
Following the unveiling of the CFC plaque, the dignitaries toured the facility, witnessed live demonstrations, and interacted with local entrepreneurs, farmers, and self-help groups associated with the project. A key highlight of the programme was the demonstration of banana fiber extraction machinery by the NECTAR team, showcasing the facility’s operational readiness and production capabilities. Banana fiber produced at the centre can be used to manufacture paper of varying thicknesses and a range of eco-friendly value-added products. The CFC is also equipped with a bakery unit for producing bakery products using banana fruit, thereby enhancing value addition across the banana value chain.
The inauguration of the Common Facility Centre marks an important milestone in harnessing locally available resources and innovative technologies to strengthen rural livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship, and encourage the sustainable utilization of agricultural waste. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to economic empowerment, skill enhancement, and sustainable development in the region.