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bananastore · 2 years

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Behind the Fiber: Transforming Banana Tree Waste into Rugs

Banana farming generates a lot of waste because only 12% of the banana plant is utilized, with the rest going to landfill. An Indian start-up, The Banana Store, on the other hand, is transforming banana waste into carpets, textiles, and hair extensions.

The banana fiber, also known as Musa fiber, is extremely handy. It is similar to bamboo fiber, however, it has higher tensile strength and spin ability. The weight and thickness of the banana fiber vary depending on the part of the banana stem used. The outer sheaths can be used to extract thick, strong fibers, while the inner ones can be used for the extraction of softer fibers.

The Banana Store is developing a variety of products made from banana waste, including high-quality carpets and silk rugs. Banana silk is a type of fiber derived from the banana plant. It's a long-lasting material. Its demand is rising rapidly because it is sustainable. Handwoven rugs in India are one of the most popular sustainable items.

Behind the Process of Producing Banana Rugs in India:

The Banana Store's method involves splitting banana tree trunks in half with machetes before feeding them through a shredder that converts them into long threads that feel like leather. The fibers are then dried and processed into ecologically friendly goods. Banana fibers may be woven into ropes, mats, handbags, garments, and even paper because of their adaptability.

· The banana plants must be first immersed in water. Retting is the term used for this process.

· The banana plant becomes soft after retting, making peeling easier.

· Individual banana strips are peeled using sharp objects after they've been retted.

· The strips are then sun-dried after being peeled.

· Those peels are knotted to form smooth yarn once they are entirely moisture-free.

· After that, the banana silk is sold to producers who transform it into useful items like handwoven rugs in India.

· Furthermore, items such as Indian Banana rugs are popular in other countries. It's because they're durable. When you buy a sustainable product, you are helping to save the environment.

Reasons for Using Banana Stems:

As banana trees can only bear fruit once in their lives, the "pseudo stems" of the tree are often thrown once the bananas are harvested, resulting in large amounts of trash.

Banana fiber production is an extremely resource-efficient process, as it makes use of a readily available resource while producing very little waste. Additionally, selling banana stems for banana fiber offers an additional source of income for banana growers. Banana fiber production can generate various jobs in banana-growing and harvesting regions.

About The Banana Store:

The Banana Store, an Indian-based startup, is are not only repurposing banana plant waste into beautiful handcrafted items but also empowering their community! Our handwoven rugs in India are a must-have addition to any home.

We strive hard to take care of nature without posing harm to it. We collaborate with local women workers while also supporting sustainability. The Banana Store wants to do good for society while also empowering local artisans.

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bananastore · 3 years

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Top 5 Largest Banana Producing States in India 2021

India is the number one Banana producing country worldwide. Highly nutritious and most loved, Bananas are packed with a bunch of several health benefits. It helps people suffering from health issues like digestive problems, asthma, piles, constipation, etc. To keep up with the demand, there are several Banana producing states and banana exporter companies in India.

Bananas are available throughout the year. The different varieties of Banana grown in India are Poovan, Basarai, Grandnaine, Ardhapuri, Karthali, Karpurvalli, and Dwarf Cavendish. For exporting them worldwide, we have reliable banana exporter companies in India. The states where it's grown have favorable soil and climatic conditions for banana farming.

After cereals, coffee, sugar, and cocoa, Bananas are a highly demandable commodity worldwide. Among other states, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are India's biggest producers of bananas. Let's take a deep look at the top 5 largest Banana producing states in India.

Tamil Nadu

The southern states are the center of attention when it comes to Banana production. One such state which tops the ladder with the highest banana produce in India is Tamil Nadu. Annually, Tamil Nadu produces about 5136.2 metric tonnes of Bananas. We can give the credit of such a large-scale production to the state's cuisine also. The people of Tamil Nadu widely use Bananas to make different delicacies and relish them.

In Southern states, the leaves of Banana trees are used as plates on which they put their food and eat it. There are several banana snacks popular in Tamilnadu. All these factors together make Tamil Nadu the largest Banana producer, and the Cavendish banana suppliers in India** **export them to other countries.

Gujarat

In the second spot comes Gujarat. Here the land and climate are quite favorable for banana farming. Aside from Bananas, Gujarat ranks high in producing other prominent vegetable and fruit crops like wheat, cotton, etc. Gujarat contributes about 4523.49 metric tonnes of Bananas on an annual basis. However, the cotton plantation in this state dominates banana production.

Maharashtra

Bananas thrive well in humid temperatures. In Maharashtra, Jalgaon is one of the 7th biggest Banana producing areas globally, and Jalgaon is also called Banana City Of India. It produces around 3600 metric tonnes of Bananas every year. For the last several years, Jalgaon has been producing bananas, but with the advent of Drip Irrigation, everything changed. The water levels are scarce in the Jalgaon area. Due to efficient banana farming techniques, it emerged as one of the biggest banana growers in India and Cavendish Banana suppliers in India. We can credit the drip irrigation method and the excellent weather in Jalgaon for excellent banana produce.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh is on the fourth spot with excellent produce of 3242 metric tonnes annually. In AP, the Ravulapalem area of Godavari district is widely popular for its broad yards of Banana cultivation. The banana yards here are quite exquisite, and you might not find such in any other area in Asia. The soil quality is rich here, and the closeness to the sea makes the climate highly favorable for cultivating banana crops.

Karnataka

Karnataka is also on the list of top cavendish banana suppliers in India, producing around 2529.6 metric tonnes. Different varieties of Bananas are cultivated in this state. Out of other available varieties, the Nanjangud is quite popular here and produced in the Chamrajanagar& Mysore area.

In their native language, Nanjangud is also called NanjangudrasabaleHannu. Nanjangud variety has a pleasing aroma and rich taste. The climate in Karnataka is dry & the rich black alluvial soil makes it favorable for banana cultivation. In Karnataka, the people relish different delicacies made using Bananas like Kesaribhath, Sheekaraniare, Banana chips, Banana buns, etc.

Conclusion

Bananas are quite versatile and can be used in different ways. From its stem to leaves to fruit itself, everything is useful. All the states listed above are also home to the best banana exporter companies in India. Also, as every year the output quantity keeps changing so the production of Bananas in every state may vary.

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