Busitema University in collaboration with the DKTE Textile and Engineering Institute of India is to lead a research project on banana fibre. The decision came up during the recent visit of a delegation of institute's professors to the University.

The Banana and Development Programme of the University carries out research into mechanical properties of banana fibre, finding out methods for extraction of banana fibre and designing technologies for value addition.

The project is also to institute a pilot production facility for the extraction and processing of banana fibre into textile and thereby developing ability of the women banana farmers.

Mary Okwakol, Vice Chancellor, informed that many value-added textile products like curtains, table cloths, table and garments can be prepared from banana fibre.

She opined that this will, while contributing to country's foreign exchange would also augment profits of the farmers in Uganda, as around 75 percent of them are engaged in cultivation of banana and after harvesting the fruit, banana stem lingers as a waste product.

Source: www.fibre2fashion.com