Training on banana fibre value-added product opens for new biz opportunities

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein inspected the Nyaunghnapin Agriculture and Livestock Special Zone 2 in Hmawby Township yesterday and observed the training on producing value-added products from the banana fibre at Yadana Shwe Moe agricultural farm.
The chief minister observed the value-added products produced from banana fibres and met the trainees. He encouraged them, stating that the State is promoting the production of local products as import substitution goods. He emphasized that producing goods from waste materials can help preserve the natural environment and that promoting these products could attract tourists. Additionally, he urged them to produce interesting items and to understand the market. Finally, financial assistance was provided to the trainees.
The training is aimed at individuals interested in establishing handmade businesses utilizing waste products from banana trees, including banana growers and women. Its objectives include creating economic opportunities through handmade businesses and promoting the development of Myanmar’s traditional handmade arts. The training will cover various aspects, such as extracting banana fibres and threads and producing banana paper, slippers, mats, bags, and hats, with practical exercises included.
The training, managed by Green Banana Myanmar Group, will span nine days, running from 9 to 17 March without any breaks, with sessions held daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Additionally, there will be an advanced training programme focusing on looming with banana threads, weaving with banana threads, extracting threads, and producing textiles and scarves. This advanced training will extend for 15 days following the completion of the initial training.
There are thousands of banana plantations across the country. Manufacturing value-added products from banana fibres and threads will help boost the country’s economy, support MSME development, and create job opportunities. Myanmar entrepreneurs are eager to produce creative local items from banana fibres and threads, as other countries have successfully produced papers for sound-proof systems, waterproof papers, and various personal items from them. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/TMT