Nagaland: Hekani launches Banana Fibre Extraction unit at Medziphema Town

Youth Net, with funding from the Globalisation Alliance of Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), formally launched a Banana Fibre Extraction Unit at Ward-1 (Shüzarü), Medziphema Town. The event was inaugurated by advisor, Department of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu Kense, in the presence of advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, and additional deputy commissioner, P. James Swu.
In her address, Hekani highlighted that the project, modeled after the successful unit in Bade village, was initially set up with seed money of Rs. 10 lakhs and achieved operational stability within four years. She expressed confidence that the Medziphema unit would become a strong competitor to the Bade village facility. Emphasising the Ministry of Industry’s focus on new-age fibres such as banana and pineapple, she encouraged the Nagas to take the lead in the sector and urged men to support their wives and daughters in such initiatives.
Zhaleo Rio thanked Hekani for bringing the project to his constituency and empowering women. He noted that while training has already been imparted, machinery upgrades would follow in due course. Highlighting the challenges of sustaining projects in Nagaland, he encouraged the TepfeRhi team to maintain consistency for long-term success.
Medevolü, a community representative from TukhuRhi, Bade village, shared the journey since 2022, noting that the project started with over 100 participants and now operates with 30 people. She recalled initial apprehensions about market demand, but said the unit now faces high orders, reflecting the growing popularity of banana fibre products.
In closing remarks, P. James Swu encouraged residents of Medziphema to utilise the six local training facilities to enhance their skills, promoting a “work and eat” culture rather than waiting for handouts. He also announced that ICAR would soon start a pineapple fibre extraction plant at its Medziphema campus.
The programme began with a welcome address by Youth Net Director, Nouneseno Chase, who provided an overview of the project’s achievements across the state. He noted that the first unit at Bade village started with Rs. 12 lakhs and, with subsequent investment and upgrades, now exceeds Rs. 1 crore. Chase added that banana fibre products are being exported across India and sold on online platforms like Amazon, and demand continues to outstrip supply.