Banana is one of the most popular fruits in the world, but it also generates a lot of waste. The stems and leaves of the banana trees are usually discarded by the farmers after harvesting the fruits, creating a huge environmental problem. But what if this waste could be turned into something useful and profitable?
That's exactly what Mehul Shroff, an MBA graduate from Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, has done. He has started a sustainable startup that makes natural fibres from banana stems and waste, and uses them to create various kinds of eco-friendly handicrafts. His products include baskets, planters, bags, yoga mats, brooms, wall clocks and more.
The inspiration behind the idea
Mehul always wanted to start his own business that would have a positive social and environmental impact. He joined his family's jewellery business after completing his MBA in 2016, but he kept looking for a unique and viable business idea.
He got his inspiration from the District Magistrate of Burhanpur, who suggested him to look for opportunities within his own district. Mehul then did some research and found out that Burhanpur was a major banana-growing district, with over 16,000 hectares of land dedicated to the cultivation of the fruit.
He also learned that the farmers in his area were spending a lot of money and labour to clear the banana waste from their fields before planting new crops. The waste was then dumped in pits or elsewhere, left to rot and emit greenhouse gases.
Mehul saw a huge potential in this agricultural waste and decided to turn it into a valuable resource. He attended a workshop organised by the district administration and Navsari Agricultural University, where he learned how fibre can be produced from the banana stem and how it can be used in various industries.
He then spent two years studying the market, the risks and the opportunities involved in this business. He finally launched his startup, Shroff Industries, in 2018.
The process and the products
Mehul collects the banana stems and waste from the farmers for free or at a nominal price. He then processes them using a machine that separates the fibre from the pulp. The fibre is then dried, twisted and spun into yarns.
The yarns are then used to make different kinds of handicrafts by weaving, knitting or crocheting them. Mehul has trained and employed around 40 women from rural regions of Burhanpur to make these products.
Some of the products that Mehul makes are:
- Baskets: These are made by weaving banana fibre yarns into different shapes and sizes. They can be used for storing fruits, vegetables or other items.
- Planters: These are made by crocheting banana fibre yarns into round or oval shapes. They can be used for growing plants indoors or outdoors.
- Bags: These are made by knitting or weaving banana fibre yarns into bags of various designs and colours. They can be used for shopping, travelling or gifting.
- Yoga mats: These are made by weaving banana fibre yarns into thick mats that are soft and comfortable. They can be used for yoga, meditation or exercise.
- Brooms: These are made by tying banana fibre yarns to wooden sticks. They can be used for sweeping floors or dusting surfaces.
- Wall clocks: These are made by attaching banana fibre yarns to wooden frames with clock mechanisms. They can be used for decorating walls or telling time.
The impact and the future
Mehul sells his products online through his website and social media platforms. He also participates in exhibitions and fairs to showcase his products. He says he sells around three to five tonnes of banana fibre every month, earning a turnover of around Rs 30 lakh annually.
But more than the money, Mehul is proud of the impact he is making on the environment and society. He says he is saving around five tonnes of banana waste from going into landfills every month, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil pollution.
He is also helping the farmers in his area save money on labour and disposal costs. He says he pays them Rs 2 per kg for the banana stems, which they would otherwise throw away.
He is also providing employment and empowerment to rural women, who earn around Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month by making handicrafts from banana fibre. Mehul has big plans for his startup. He wants to expand his product range and reach more customers across India and abroad. He also wants to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and organisations who are working in the field of banana fibre.
He says he is constantly innovating and experimenting with new designs and techniques to make his products more attractive and functional. He also wants to create awareness about the benefits of banana fibre and encourage more people to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles.
Mehul believes that banana fibre has a huge potential to revolutionise the textile, paper and handicraft industries. He says that banana fibre can be a game-changer for the environment, the economy and the society.
He says he is happy to be a part of this green movement and hopes to inspire more people to join him in his mission. “I want to make a difference in the world with my work. I want to show that waste can be turned into wealth. I want to create a sustainable future for myself and others,” he says.
Mehul Shroff is an inspiring example of how one can turn a problem into an opportunity. He has transformed banana waste into eco-friendly crafts that are not only beautiful but also beneficial for the environment and the society. He has created a successful and sustainable business that supports his own livelihood and that of many others. He has also contributed to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. He has shown that innovation, creativity and passion can make a positive difference in the world. We applaud Mehul for his remarkable achievements and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
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