HYDERABAD: Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have joined forces for the “Bananas in Pakistan’s Bioeconomy: Transforming Waste into Textile” project, an initiative by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The project aims to utilize banana waste for yarn production, food items, and organic fertilizer instead of the environmentally harmful practice of burning in Sindh.
During a meeting at the university committee room on Thursday, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri chaired the session, attended by officials from various sectors of FAO in Rome, Australia, and Pakistan, along with experts from Sindh Agriculture University.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Fateh Marri said that the lack of awareness about the importance of banana waste leads to the annual burning of 3.5 million tons of banana waste in the country, negatively impacting the environment. He highlighted the potential for SAU to convert banana waste into fiber, food items, liquid, and composite organic fertilizers, involving students in the project for research expansion and knowledge transfer to farmers.
Ms. Lindis Norluno, Associate Professional Officer FAO from Rome Headquarters, stated that the GEF project aims to enhance Pakistan’s economy and address environmental concerns by integrating banana waste into textiles and hazardous chemicals. The project will focus on the fashion and construction sectors.
Ms. Urie, Deputy Program Manager of FAO, outlined plans to train and support farmers and field workers, conducting surveys in different banana-growing districts through seminars, workshops, and training programs. Dr. Waqar, a Communication Specialist of FAO, announced the official launch of the project by March 2024.
Fazal Deen, in charge of the project in Pakistan, emphasized prioritizing research on fiber quality and purity based on industry demands. He highlighted the need to create investor interest in banana fiber.
During the meeting, FAO’s Australian expert Nazimuddin and SAU’s Dr. Shaukat Ibrahim Abro presented on the domestic and industrial significance of fiber. The FAO team also visited the Banana Project at the University.
