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 Manmade Textile JK Paper, Ltd.,

Research on Cotton Research Association, Songadh
Technology, Mumbai Surat

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. J. M. Patel
Dr. D. R. Prajapati Er. N. G. Savani
Shri. Vijay Anand Shri. K. K. Patel
Dr. C. S. Desai Shri. H. B. Vaidya
Shri. P. S. Patel Hardik Shah

CIRCOT, Mumbai MANTRA, Surat

Dr. A. J. Shaikh Dr. S. K. Basu
Dr. R. P. Nachane (CCPI) Shri. M. K. Parikh
Mrs. Manisha Kurhade 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, Chairman

Coconut Development Board, Kochi

Dr. R. S. Gandhi, Retd. Director, Member

MANTRA, Surat

Dr. M. M. Mustaffa, Director Member

National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy

Shri. Arvindbhai K. Naik, Progressive farmer, Member

Padgha (Navsari)

Shri. Ashwinbhai B. Patel, Chairman, Member

Banana Cooperative, Kamrej (Surat)

Shri. Deepakbhai S. Patel, Chairman Member

Fruit & Vegetable Growers Cooperative, Bardoli (Surat)

Shri. Dinesh Zaveri, Industrialist Member

Palsana (Surat)

Smt. Deepaben T. Patel, Women SHG, Member

Athwa road, Surat

Dr. R. K. Goyal, National Coordinator (Compt. 2) Member

NAIP, New Delhi

Dr. A. R. Pathak, Hon. Vice Chancellor Member

Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari

Dr. R. G. Patil (CPI)/ Dr. B. N. Kolambe (CoPI) Member

Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari 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 (A. R. Pathak)

March, 2011 Vice Chancellor
 Navsari Agricultural University
INDEX
No. Title Page No.
1 INTRODUCTION 1
2 PSEUDOSTEM PROCESSING 2
2.1 Fibre extraction 3
2.2 Economics of fibre extraction 5
3 FIBRE BASED PRODUCTS 7
3.1 Fabric 7
3.2 Quality grade papers 9
3.3 Handmade paper and board 10
3.4 Handicrafts 11
3.5 Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) 12
4 SCUTHER BASED PRODUCTS 12
4.1 Vermicompost 12
4.1.1 As organic 13
4.1.2 As a fish feed 14
4.2 Particle board 15
5 SAP 15
5.1 Enriched sap 16
5.1.1 As liquid fertilizer 16
5.1.2 Nutrient spray solution 17
5.2 As mordant 18
6 CENTRAL CORE 19
6.1 Candy 19
6.2 Ready to serve drink 19
6.3 Pickle 20
7 TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY 21
7.1 Documentation and dissemination 21
7.2 Field demonstration 22
7.3 Trainings and visits 23
 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., Fig. 1 : Area and production trend of banana in India

2009). In India, the 8.0 30.0

7.1
7.0 6.6 26.2 25.0
area under banana is 6.0 5.9 5.7 6.0
23.8
4.8 5.0 20.0

Production
5.0 4.7 21.0
3.8
Area

increasing steadily 4.0

14.2 13.9
16.7
18.9 15.0
3.0 13.3 10.0
2.0 7.8
(Fig. 1) because of 1.0
5.0

0.0 0.0
higher return as 1991-92 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Year
compared to other Area (lakh ha)
Production (million tonnes)
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
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, Pseudostem
one has to separate the sheaths from Cutter Machine

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
Raspador Machine
separated easily. In general, splitting of
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 Raspador Machine Modified Raspador

Operated by Engine Operated by Power Tiller 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 No. of Quantity Remarks

Extraction Machines of Fibre
Operationalized Extracted
(kg)

NAU, 3 1300 1 m/c is installed at NAU sub-

Navsari centre Fruit Research Station,
Gandevi for its R & D work
related to fibre extraction from
different varieties.

Farmers 21 19000 The m/c are shifted from

(Through village to village as per
Banana Co- farmers demand
operatives)

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

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

FIBRE SCUTCHER SAP CENTRAL CORE

- Fabrics - Vermicompost - Liquid fertilizer - Candy
- Quality papers - Handmade and nutrient - Pickles
- MCC papers and spray - RTS
- Handicrafts board - Mordant

6
 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 Partner Products
1 MANTRA, Surat Fabrics, synthetic based/ laminated fabrics,
apparels prepared from fabrics
2 CIRCOT, Mumbai 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 Tex Tenacity Count TPI U (%)
load (kg) extension (%) (g/tex)

7.23 3.84 6.70 10.8 0.9 3.3 23.5

7
 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

Synthetic laminated Non woven

Laminated fabric
fabric 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
developed. Yarn spinning m/c

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., anti-
grease 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 Unit Bamboo Eucalyptus Prosopis Banana Fibre

Bulk Cc/gm 1.33 1.45 - 1.22

Tear factor - 66 60 51 86

Brust factor - 35 30 36 79

Breaking M 5100 4900 5146 4931

length

Double fold No. 30 12 20 1389

Anti grease paper Cheque paper

9
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. Burst Breaking Double
(g/m2) factor length fold
(kg/cm2) (m) (nos.)

Banana fibre - Yellow dye (100%) 145 31.72 4140 5000

Banana fibre - white thick (100%) 309 38.83 3117 3000

Banana fibre (50%) + white 513 25.34 2321 1300

cotton rag (50%) - Thick

Banana fibre (50%) + white 146 36.99 2604 300

cotton rag (50%) dyed - Thin

Banana fibre (10%) + coloured 335 19.10 2334 115

cotton rag (30%) + paddy straw
(30%) + waste paper (30%)

Banana fibre (50%) + cotton rag 335 20.90 1786 320

coloured (50%)

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

Painting made on
Banana fibre articles 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 b - cellulose y - cellulose Ash

59 37 4 1.1

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

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)

CD (0.05) = 8.15
80
70
60
Yield (t/ha)

50
66.8 65.3 70.6 66.7
40 61.9 57.9
30
20
10
0
T1-FYM @ 5 T2-BC @ 3 T3-VC @ 1.5 T4-VC @ 3.0 T5-VC @ 5.0 T6-Only RDF
kg/plant + RDF kg/plant + RDF kg/ plant + kg/ plant + kg/ plant + (No organics)
RDF RDF RDF

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

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

CD (0.05) = NS
200

150
Yield (t/ha)

100 174 163 175 176 181

163

50

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

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 66.76
49.20 49.90
46.24
20

0
T1 - 10 % T2 - 20 % T3 - 30 % T4 - 100 % T5 - 50 % G'nut
Vermicompost Vermicompost Vermicompost Cattle feed cake + 50 %
+ 90 % Cattle + 80 % Cattle + 70 % Cattle (Control) Rice bran
feed feed feed (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 Fish feed experiment at Demonstration on

vermicompost NAU 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 Composition (ppm)

Total N P K

Fresh Sap 4.2 35.1 1223

Enriched sap 119 50.4 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

67.5

70
58.3

70.4
Yield (t/ha)

62.1
60.8

60
68.1
59.9
60.4

50 S3 (4 L/PLANT)
S2 (3 L/PLANT)
40
S1 (2 L/PLANT)
30
F1 (60 % OF F2 (80 % OF F3 (100 % OF
RDF) RDF) RDF) RDF = 180: 90: 180 g NPK/ plant

16
 Fig. 6 : Effect of sap and fertilizer levels on yield of sugarcane (Pooled - 2 years)

CD (0.05) = NS
200

184

183
182
175
150

188
Yield (t/ha)

172

170
125

175

171
170
100
S3 (15000 L/ha)
75
50 S2 (10000 L/ha)
25
S1 (5000 L/ha)
0
F1 (60 % OF F2 (80 % OF F3 (100 % OF
RDF) RDF) 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
Days

41.5

25.0
39.0

38.5

36.0
35.5
32.0

31.5

20.0
30.5
29.5
29.0

27.5
27.0
24.5

23.5

15.0 Brinjal
10.0
Chillies
5.0
0.0
T1 - Sap T2 - Vermi T3 - T4 - 1:1 T5 - 1:2 T6 - 2:1 T7 -
(S) bed wash Enriched (S:V) (S:V) (S:V) Control
(V) sap
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

1
0.8
6.59
6.11
5.55*

5.82
0.6
5.51

5.52

4.62
0.4
0.2
0
T1 - Sap T2 - T3 - T4 - Sap : T5 - Sap : T6 - Sap : T7 -
alone Vermibed Enriched Vermibed Vermibed Vermibed Control
wash sap alone wash (1:1) wash (2:1) wash (1:2) (No spray)
alone
*Absolute values 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
 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 Unit Content

Moisture % 2.3

Total ash % 0.6

Protein % 4.1

Fat % 0.45

Crude fibre % 0.9

Carbohydrates mg/100 g 46.8

Calorific value K.cals/100 g 390

Total sugars % 85.4

Dietary fibre

- Insoluble fibre % 2.77

- Soluble fibre % 1.18

- Total fibre % 3.95

K % 0.20

Na % 0.42

Ca % 1.37

Mg % 2.22

Fe mg/kg 643

Vitamin (Niacin B3) (mg/100g) 34.1

Vitamin (Pantothenic acid B5) (mg/100g) 86.4

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 5 (CIRCOT), 7 (NAU)

conferences

News paper 11

Souvenir, farmers' magazine etc. 3

Posters, translide boxes, flex posters, scroller 14

screen display

Folders, booklet, reports etc. 7

Different internet websites (through PTI) 15

Video documentation 2

Website www.nau.in

21
 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
7.3 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.).

Meeting at Farmers Global conference on Training at Muthianagar,

Cooperative, Gadat banana at Trichy Jalgaon (MS)

NAIP activity display during Farmers' visit to NAIP site Shri. Dilip Sanghani
(Agri. Minister, GoG) and
Krishi Mela, 2010 from Jalgaon (MS) Dr. S. A. Patil visiting NAIP site

23
Potential products developed from banana pseudostem and their possible stakeholders

Pseudostem Potential Lead Stake Linkages explored for

component products centre / holders marketing of the products
partners

Fibre Fabrics MANTRA, Textile MANTRA, Surat has

and their Surat industries strong linkages with
products Surat Textile industries.
Welspun Industry, Vapi
Textile Research and
Application Development
Centre (Grasim, Birla),
Bharuch

Quality JK Paper Paper JK Paper Mill itself has

papers Mills, industries well established
Songadh marketing network

Microcryst CIRCOT, Pharma Accent Microcell Ind. Ltd.,

alline Mumbai ceutical Ahmedabad
cellulose industries

Handmade NAU, Handmade Stationary products

paper Navsari paper units developed is marketed
/Stationary within the University
traders

Sap Liquid NAU, Farmers Farmers/ banana cooperatives

fertilizer Navsari
and
nutrient
spray

Mordant CIRCOT, Textile Textile Industries

Mumbai (Dyeing)

Scutcher Vermi NAU, Farmers / Farmers/ banana cooperatives

compost Navsari Fish
farmers

Central core Edible NAU, Food Farmers/ banana cooperatives

products Navsari processing
(candy, industry
pickles,
RTS)

24
 VALUE ADDED PRODUCTS DEVELOPED FROM BANANA PSEUDOSTEM - NAIP INTERVENTIONS
Banana Pseudostem Pseudostem splitting Fibre extraction using raspador m/c

Fish feed

Scutcher Vermicompost

Apparel Fabric Banana fibre yarn

Sap Liquid fertilizer

Papers

Central core Candy

Banana fibre
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
Director
R & D MANTRA,
Near Textile Market,
Telephone exchange, Ring Road,
Surat - 395 002 (Gujarat)
Phone : (0261) 2323211
Email : director@mantrasurat.org
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
General Manager
(PR, Plantation & Admn.),
JK. Paper Ltd., Unit- Central Pulp Mills,
PO : Central Pulp Mills,
Songadh - 394 660, Dist. Tapi (Gujarat)