Couple’s sustainable banana revolution in Odisha | Fusion - WeRIndia

Banamalipur in Khurda district, one of Odisha’s largest banana-producing regions, faced a growing problem with banana waste.

While the fruit harvest brought financial benefits, heaps of waste from banana plants created sprawling landfills, choking the environment.

However, this grim situation has transformed into an inspiring story of sustainability and innovation, thanks to social development professionals-turned-entrepreneurs Anusuya and Kasinath Jena.

The couple, hailing from Balipatana block, founded the Jayadev Banana Farmers and Artisans Association two years ago.

Their goal was simple yet impactful: upcycle banana waste into valuable products, addressing environmental concerns while creating economic opportunities for farmers and villagers.

After extensive research, they discovered the potential of banana fibre and its versatility.

With support from the MSME Ministry, they established the Jayadev Banana Fiber Extraction Cluster, employing locals to manufacture a range of eco-friendly products.

Initially, 350 farmers joined the association, and the number continues to grow.

The cluster employs 25–30 youth and women who extract fibre and create products across three categories: food, agriculture, and utility. Food items include banana floral stem pickle, papad, jam, and juice, which are rich in dietary fibre and micronutrients.

The robust banana fibre is used to craft utility items such as ropes, mats, and coasters.

Moreover, the venture is a zero-waste facility. The pulp leftover from fibre extraction is converted into vermicompost, while liquid byproducts are sold as organic fertilizers.

Farmers benefit as well—delivering banana stems to the cluster ensures they get paid while clearing their fields for the next crop without additional costs.

This innovative initiative has earned multiple accolades, including awards at Sisir Saras, Pallishree Mela, and MSME Week.

Their products were also showcased at the Indian Science Congress and were a hit at the recent Balijatra festival in Cuttack.

Anusuya and Kasinath’s venture exemplifies how local innovation can turn challenges into opportunities, fostering sustainability and rural development.

Their model not only cleans the environment but also empowers communities, creating a blueprint for future agricultural enterprises.

Image Credit: Anna Frodesiak, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crop_damage_in_Hainan_from_Typhoon_Sarika.jpg