Ravi Prasad, a resident of Hariharpur (Tamkuhiraj) in Kushinagar, faced life-changing challenges in 2015 when he was pursuing his MA in Economics.
After his father suffered a severe accident that resulted in the loss of a leg, Ravi, being the sole child in the family, was compelled to leave his studies to take on the responsibilities of the household. In that dark moment, he felt overwhelmed by uncertainty.
Seeking a livelihood, Ravi moved to Delhi, where he stumbled upon a stall showcasing various products made from banana fiber at the Pragati Maidan exhibition. Inspired by what he saw, Ravi realised that he could replicate this endeavour in Kushinagar. Armed with newfound knowledge, he returned home and began laying the groundwork for his venture in late 2017.
His fortunes changed when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, declaring banana fiber as Kushinagar’s designated product. This announcement invigorated Ravi’s spirit. With determination, he secured a loan of Rs five lakhs from the PMGP scheme, allowing him to kickstart his business.
Today, Ravi’s banana fiber products not only illuminate his life but also empower over 50 women who work alongside him. His success reached new heights when he participated in the International Trade Show organised by the Yogi government in Greater Noida, where he sold all his goods.
Ravi has evolved into a self-sufficient entrepreneur with an expanding social identity. Recently, the district magistrate and the chief development officer visited his unit. Rabi noted that the designation of banana as Kushinagar’s ODOP has revitalised its cultivation and associated activities.
Currently, Ravi produces a wide range of items from banana fiber, including bags, caps, bouquets, pen stands, yoga mats, carpets, carry bags, mobile purses, laptop bags and slippers. He even exports some of his banana fiber products to firms in Gujarat, showcasing the potential and success of his venture.
Additionally, the water extracted during the separation of banana fiber is sold for Rs 15 to Rs 20 per litre. This nutrient-rich water, which contains calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and vitamin B6, is particularly sought after by fish farmers. When poured into fish ponds, it significantly promotes the healthy growth of the fish.
Moreover, excellent organic manure can be produced by composting the leftover waste from the fiber extraction process. Ravi previously made this compost and is now preparing to resume production.
Ravi has trained around 600 individuals in creating various goods and products from banana fiber. Moreover, approximately 60 to 65 women from different self-help groups collaborate with him.
According to Ravi, the process begins by placing the banana stem in a cutter, which breaks it down into smaller pieces. These pieces are then fed into a fiber extraction machine, which separates the fiber from the stem.
To enhance the extraction, a small amount of salt is added to the juice from the banana stem and heated. Following this, the fiber is dyed in the desired colours, ensuring that the colours are permanent. Notably, products made from this fiber are approximately 30 per cent stronger than those made from jute.
