A banana byproduct transforms farm waste into profits in Bangladesh
Bananas make up 20% of all fruit crops grown in Bangladesh, and the country has begun to unlock the hidden potential of the plant’s agricultural byproducts. Banana fiber, extracted from post-harvest stems, is emerging as a versatile biodegradable material that can be used to manufacture textiles, blended yarns and handicrafts. In Bangladesh, banana fiber is […]
Bananas constitute 20% of all fruit crops cultivated in Bangladesh, prompting the nation to discover the latent potential of its agricultural waste. Extracted from banana stems post-harvest, banana fiber has become a versatile biodegradable material with diverse applications, including textiles, blended yarns, handicrafts, and eco-friendly composite products.
In Bangladesh, it is utilized for producing Kolaboti sarees, curtains, mats, bags, ropes, paper, packaging materials, and other eco-friendly items. As of 2024, Bangladesh ranked 27th globally in banana production, generating around 813,600 tons annually, with India leading at approximately 37.6 million tons.
A 2024 study indicates that Bangladesh could produce approximately 37,800 tons of banana fiber per year and earn over $94 million in exports if the sector is commercially successful. In the local market, banana fiber sells for roughly 150 takas to 500 takas per kilogram, which translates to $1.20 to $4 per 2.2 pounds. The study further highlights Bangladesh's vast potential for banana fiber production due to the cultivation of the crop on 54,756 hectares (133,305 acres) of land.
The country generates substantial biomass from banana pseudo-stems, estimated at about 3.78 million tons annually, of which roughly 1% can be converted into fiber.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
