Tiruchi, July 23 (KNN) The National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) said that states like Karnataka must explore the scope for technical collaboration and utilisation of banana fibre based technologies in automobile, textile and handloom industries.

Karnataka Minister for Handloom, Textiles, Sugarcane Development and Sugar, Shankar Patil Munenakoppa had recently visited the centre. 

Apprising the Minister and his team, S. Uma, Director, NRCB said with about 1.4 lakh hectares under banana cultivation in Karnataka the huge volume of waste could be utilised to generate additional income of more than Rs.1000 crore. 

There’s a huge potential for use of banana fibre in automobiles, composites, paper and pulp industries, she added. 

The Minister opined that banana fibre can be a good option for making garments, carpets, cushions, baskets and other products owing to the increasing demand for eco-friendly materials.  (KNN Bureau)