A Seminar on Sathavari Herbal Cultivation & Its Benefits

 

A special meeting on Sathavari (Shatavari) herbal cultivation, its health benefits, cultivation practices and livelihood opportunities was conducted today at Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore.

The interaction focused on the importance of Sathavari as a valuable medicinal plant and explored opportunities for scientific cultivation, value addition and sustainable income generation for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The programme provided an opportunity to discuss the potential of herbal cultivation and encourage students, farmers and interested participants to explore sustainable agricultural and herbal enterprise opportunities.

Interaction with NINFET, Kolkata on Natural Fibre Cluster Development Kolkata | September 2026

 

An important interaction was held with the Director of the National Institute of Natural Fibres Engineering and Technology (NINFET), Kolkata, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the development of Natural Fibre Clusters.

During the interaction, discussions focused on the possibilities of establishing and strengthening natural fibre-based enterprises with technical and institutional support from NINFET. The proposed cluster development initiative aims to bring together farmers, rural entrepreneurs, women’s groups, artisans and other stakeholders involved in the production and value addition of natural fibres.

The discussion covered opportunities for promoting fibres such as banana fibre, jute and other locally available natural fibres, along with product development, processing technologies, skill development, quality improvement and market-oriented value addition.

The proposed collaboration with NINFET is expected to provide valuable technical guidance, technology support, training and capacity building for cluster members. Particular emphasis was placed on developing innovative and eco-friendly products that can generate sustainable livelihoods while making productive use of agricultural and natural fibre resources.

The interaction also explored possibilities for creating a model Natural Fibre Cluster, where traditional artisan skills can be integrated with modern technology, product design and market opportunities. Such a cluster can serve as a platform for entrepreneurship development, women’s empowerment and promotion of the circular economy.

The meeting with the Director of NINFET marked an important step towards developing a collaborative framework for natural fibre cluster development, with Ecogreenunit Foundation seeking to work closely with technical institutions and grassroots communities to promote sustainable fibre-based enterprises.

The proposed initiative aims to contribute to sustainable livelihoods, rural entrepreneurship, value addition and environmentally responsible production through the wider promotion of natural fibre

Discussion with Jute Corporation of India and Interaction with Jute Cluster Artisans Kolkata | 21st & 22nd September 2026

 

 

A significant interaction was held at the Jute Corporation of India (JCI), Kolkata, on 21st and 22nd September 2026, focusing on opportunities for collaboration in sustainable fibre-based products and the development of innovative livelihood opportunities for artisans.

During the visit, discussions were held with the Managing Director of the Jute Corporation of India regarding various projects and initiatives being undertaken by Ecogreenunit Foundation, particularly in the areas of natural fibres, sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment and value-added products.

A key area of discussion was the potential for developing combined Banana Fibre and Jute products. The integration of banana fibre with jute offers opportunities to create innovative, eco-friendly products while making productive use of agricultural residues and strengthening the livelihoods of rural communities and traditional artisans.

As part of the programme, an interaction was also organised with artisans associated with jute clusters in Kolkata. The artisans shared their practical experience in jute processing, weaving and product development. The interaction provided an opportunity to discuss the technical possibilities of incorporating banana fibre into existing jute products and exploring new designs and applications.

The discussions highlighted the potential for collaboration between banana-growing communities and traditional jute artisans, creating a platform for knowledge exchange, product innovation and sustainable enterprise development.

The proposed Banana Fibre–Jute combination could open up new avenues for products such as mats, bags, baskets, handicrafts, home décor articles and other sustainable lifestyle products. Such initiatives can contribute to the circular economy by converting agricultural biomass into value-added products and creating additional income opportunities for rural communities.

The two-day visit to JCI Kolkata provided valuable insights and opened possibilities for further technical discussions, artisan-level experimentation and collaborative initiatives in the field of natural fibre-based sustainable products.

Ecogreenunit Foundation looks forward to building on these interactions and exploring opportunities for collaboration with JCI, jute clusters and artisan communities towards promoting sustainable livelihoods, innovation and a greener circular economy

Awareness Programme on Vetiver Cultivation and Value-Added Products Held at Thalaivasal, Salem on 17th Sep 2026District

 

An awareness programme on Vetiver Cultivation and Value-Added Products was successfully conducted at Thalaivasal Block, Salem District, Tamil Nadu, with the objective of creating awareness among farmer groups about the cultivation, utilization and income-generation opportunities associated with vetiver.

The programme brought together around 30 representatives from farmer groups from different parts of Tamil Nadu. The participants actively engaged in the programme and gained practical knowledge on the potential of vetiver as a sustainable agricultural crop and as a raw material for various value-added products.

During the programme, participants were introduced to the importance of vetiver cultivation, suitable cultivation practices, planting and maintenance methods, harvesting and post-harvest handling. Special emphasis was given to the opportunities available for developing value-added products from vetiver, which can help farmers and rural communities diversify their income sources.

The programme also highlighted the multiple uses of vetiver and its potential contribution to sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, environmental protection and rural livelihood development. Participants were encouraged to explore collective approaches through farmer groups and local enterprises for cultivation, processing and marketing of vetiver-based products.

The interaction between farmer representatives from different regions provided an opportunity to share field-level experiences, understand local challenges and discuss possibilities for expanding vetiver cultivation across Tamil Nadu.

The programme concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed their queries and explored opportunities for taking up vetiver cultivation and value-added activities in their respective areas.

Around 30 farmer group representatives participated in the programme and benefited from the technical and practical knowledge shared during the awareness session. The programme is expected to encourage more farmers and rural entrepreneurs to explore vetiver-based sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ecogreenunit Foundation continues to promote sustainable livelihoods, natural resource-based enterprises and innovative agricultural practices through awareness programmes, training and technical support for farmers and rural communities.

Awareness Programme on Sustainable Enterprises Conducted for Farmer Field Executives Aruppukottai, 12 September 2026

 

An awareness programme on eco-friendly projects, sustainable livelihoods and green entrepreneurship was conducted for Farmer Field Executives at Aruppukottai on 12 September 2026.

The programme was jointly organised by Ecogreenunit and Nest Trust, Aruppukottai, with the objective of creating awareness among field-level agricultural professionals about emerging opportunities in sustainable and value-added enterprises.

The programme covered a range of eco-friendly livelihood activities, including banana fibre crafts, areca leaf products, coconut shell crafts, coir products, microgreens cultivation, vetiver cultivation and value-added products, aloe vera cultivation and value-added products, biochar production and other sustainable enterprises.

Participants were introduced to the potential of converting agricultural residues and locally available natural resources into useful, marketable products, thereby promoting the concept of “Waste to Wealth” and strengthening the rural circular economy.

The awareness session also highlighted opportunities for farmer groups, rural entrepreneurs and women’s groups to adopt these activities as supplementary or full-time income-generating enterprises. Emphasis was placed on skill development, value addition, entrepreneurship and market-oriented production.

The programme served as a platform for sharing practical knowledge and exploring new avenues for sustainable agriculture, rural employment, environmental conservation and green enterprise development.

The initiative by Ecogreenunit and Nest Trust aims to encourage more stakeholders at the grassroots level to embrace eco-friendly technologies and transform local resources into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ecogreenunit Presents Paper on Women’s Empowerment at NMV University Aruppukottai, 11 September 2026

  

Aruppukottai, 11 September 2026:
A paper presentation on “Women’s Empowerment through Sustainable Livelihoods and Green Entrepreneurship” was presented at NMV University, Aruppukottai, on 11 September 2026.

The presentation highlighted the importance of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women through skill development, entrepreneurship, eco-friendly enterprises and value-added products from locally available natural and agricultural resources.

The paper also focused on how women can become economically independent by engaging in emerging green sectors such as banana fibre crafts, areca leaf products, coconut shell crafts, coir products, microgreens, vetiver, aloe vera, biochar and other sustainable enterprises.

The initiative emphasised that combining practical skills, entrepreneurship training, market linkages and institutional support can help rural women build sustainable sources of income and become successful entrepreneurs.

The presentation reinforced the vision of creating an inclusive and sustainable economy where women are not merely beneficiaries, but active creators of livelihoods, enterprises and social change.

Ecogreenunit Honoured with Outstanding Award for Eco-Friendly Initiatives Aruppukottai, 10 September 2026

 

Ecogreenunit was honoured with an Outstanding Award for its contribution to eco-friendly projects and sustainable initiatives by NMV University, Aruppukottai, on 10 September 2026.

The prestigious award was presented to Ecogreenunit by Dr. Palani Muthu, Director, NIFTEM, Thanjavur, in recognition of its efforts in promoting environmentally sustainable technologies, green entrepreneurship, women empowerment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ecogreenunit has been actively working on a range of eco-friendly initiatives, including areca leaf products, banana fibre and crafts, coconut shell crafts, biochar, coir pots, microgreens, vetiver, aloe vera and value-added products from natural and agricultural resources.

The recognition highlights Ecogreenunit's continued commitment to the “Waste to Wealth” concept and its efforts to transform locally available resources into sustainable livelihood and enterprise opportunities.

The award marks another significant milestone in Ecogreenunit's journey towards building a greener, circular and sustainable economy through skill development, innovation and grassroots entrepreneurship.

NMV University and Ecogreenunit Sign MoU for Eco-Friendly Skill Development Aruppukottai, 10 September 2026

 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NMV University, Aruppukottai, and Ecogreenunit on 10 September 2026 to promote skill development and entrepreneurship through eco-friendly and sustainable projects.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chancellor Shri Veriyan and Vice Chancellor Dr. Sundhara Varadharajan.

The collaboration primarily focuses on introducing six-month diploma courses for students in emerging green livelihood sectors, including Areca Leaf Plate Making, Banana Fibre and Fibre Crafts, Coconut Shell Crafts, Biochar, Coir Pot Making, Microgreens Cultivation and Value-Added Products, Vetiver Cultivation and Value-Added Products, Aloe Vera Cultivation and Value-Added Products, and Lantana camara-based Value-Added Products.

The courses are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on technical skills, entrepreneurship knowledge and opportunities for self-employment and green enterprise development.

The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic education and practical livelihood opportunities while encouraging young people to become green entrepreneurs and contribute to the circular economy, sustainable development and environmental conservation.

The MoU marks an important step towards creating a new generation of skilled youth capable of turning locally available natural resources and agricultural residues into sustainable products and profitable enterprises.

Banana Fibre Bark Crafts Training Empowers Rural Women in Avinashi One-Week Skill Development Programme Promotes Sustainable Livelihoods and Waste-to-Wealth Opportunities Avinashi, Coimbatore District – 6 September 2026:

 

A one-week skill development training programme on Banana Fibre Bark Crafts Making was inaugurated on 6 September 2026 in the Avinashi Taluk of Coimbatore District, with the objective of empowering rural women and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in remote villages.

The programme was jointly organised by Ecogreenunit Foundation and Sedo Trust, focusing particularly on rural women who are looking for home-based and environmentally friendly income-generating activities.

Banana cultivation generates substantial quantities of agricultural residues after harvesting. Instead of allowing banana stems and other plant residues to go to waste, these materials can be converted into useful fibres and attractive handcrafted products. The training introduces participants to this “Waste to Wealth” approach and demonstrates how agricultural residues can become a source of additional income.

During the week-long programme, participants are being introduced to various stages of banana-fibre and bark craft production, including selection and preparation of banana plant materials, fibre extraction, cleaning and processing, preparation of bark and fibre, basic weaving and craft techniques, product finishing and value addition.

The women are also being encouraged to explore the production of marketable eco-friendly products using banana fibre and bark. Depending on their skill level, such products can include decorative articles, utility products, baskets, mats, gift articles, home décor items and other handmade products.

A major emphasis of the programme is on developing practical, hands-on skills rather than classroom-based learning alone. Participants get an opportunity to work directly with the raw material and gradually develop the confidence required to produce finished products.

Empowering Women Through Sustainable Enterprises

The initiative aims to demonstrate that rural women can establish small-scale, home-based enterprises with locally available agricultural resources. Such enterprises can provide supplementary income while allowing women to continue their household and agricultural responsibilities.

The programme also promotes the principles of the circular economy, where agricultural residues are viewed not as waste but as valuable resources. By converting banana residues into useful products, the initiative can contribute to reducing waste, encouraging eco-friendly production and creating rural employment.

Ecogreenunit Foundation has been working in the field of eco-friendly enterprises, sustainable livelihoods, women empowerment and waste-to-wealth initiatives, with a particular focus on converting locally available natural resources and agricultural residues into value-added products.

From Skill to Market Opportunity

Skill development is only the first step towards establishing a successful rural enterprise. The participants are therefore being encouraged to look beyond production and understand the importance of product quality, design innovation, finishing, packaging, branding and market linkages.

With appropriate training and market support, groups of rural women can potentially develop collective production units or individual home-based enterprises. This can create opportunities for regular income generation and strengthen the economic participation of women in rural communities.

The programme also demonstrates how collaboration between voluntary organisations and grassroots communities can help bring new livelihood models to remote villages.

Building a Greener Rural Economy

The banana-fibre bark crafts initiative is an example of how traditional rural resources can be combined with modern product development and entrepreneurship. It seeks to create a model where agriculture, women empowerment, environmental sustainability and rural enterprise development work together.

The organisers believe that such initiatives can encourage more rural women to become entrepreneurs and create sustainable livelihoods while contributing to a greener and more circular economy.

The one-week programme, which commenced on 6 September 2026, is therefore more than a crafts training programme—it is an effort to transform an agricultural residue into an economic resource, a livelihood opportunity and an eco-friendly enterprise for rural women.

Jointly organised by:
Ecogreenunit Foundation & Sedo Trust

Focus: Women Empowerment • Rural Livelihoods • Banana Fibre Crafts • Waste to Wealth • Circular Economy • Eco-friendly Enterprise

Banana Fibre Training Centre Cum Manufacturing Unit Established in Karur District 29th Aug 2026

 Turning Banana Waste into Sustainable Livelihoods

A Training Centre cum Manufacturing Unit for Banana Fibre Mat Weaving and Handicrafts is being established in Karur District, Tamil Nadu, one of the regions known for its abundant banana cultivation. The initiative aims to transform banana agricultural waste into valuable, eco-friendly products while creating sustainable livelihood and self-employment opportunities for women, farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

Banana cultivation generates a substantial quantity of agricultural residue, particularly banana pseudostems, after harvesting. Instead of allowing this biomass to go to waste, the project promotes the extraction and utilization of banana fibre as a valuable raw material for manufacturing mats, handicrafts, home décor products, utility articles and other value-added products.

Wealth Out of Waste

The initiative is based on the “Wealth Out of Waste” concept, where agricultural residue is converted into useful products with economic value. Banana fibre is a natural, biodegradable and renewable material that can provide an alternative to synthetic and non-biodegradable materials.

The establishment of the centre will demonstrate how a locally available agricultural resource can be converted into a marketable product and a source of income. It will also encourage farmers to view banana pseudostems not as waste, but as a potential additional source of revenue.

Training for Women, Farmers and Entrepreneurs

The centre will provide practical, hands-on training in:

• Banana fibre extraction and processing
• Fibre preparation and grading
• Banana fibre mat weaving
• Handicraft production
• Product designing and value addition
• Quality improvement and finishing
• Packaging and branding
• Basic enterprise development
• Marketing and market linkage

Special emphasis will be given to women and rural communities, enabling them to acquire practical skills that can be converted into home-based enterprises, group enterprises or independent manufacturing units.

Creating Self-Employment Opportunities

The project is designed not merely as a training programme but as a livelihood and enterprise development model. Trained participants can establish small-scale production units using locally available banana biomass and gradually expand their businesses based on market demand.

Women’s groups, farmer groups, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs can participate in the programme and develop their own income-generating activities.

Promoting a Circular Economy

The Banana Fibre Training Centre promotes the principles of a circular economy by keeping agricultural resources in productive use for as long as possible. Banana biomass that would otherwise be discarded is converted into fibres and finished products, creating economic value while reducing agricultural waste.

This approach creates a cycle of:

Banana Cultivation → Agricultural Residue → Fibre Extraction → Mat & Handicraft Production → Value Addition → Market → Income & Employment

Such a model can contribute to waste reduction, sustainable production, rural industrialisation and green entrepreneurship.

A Model for Rural Green Entrepreneurship

The centre in Karur has the potential to become a demonstration and incubation centre for banana fibre-based enterprises. It can serve as a platform where farmers, women and entrepreneurs learn the technology, gain practical experience, manufacture products and explore market opportunities.

By connecting agriculture, skill development, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and marketing, the initiative seeks to build a sustainable rural enterprise ecosystem.

The project reflects the vision of “Waste to Wealth, Skill to Enterprise and Agriculture to Sustainable Livelihood.” It demonstrates that agricultural waste can become a valuable resource and that rural communities can create employment and income through environmentally responsible enterprises.

Banana Fibre – From Agricultural Waste to Sustainable Wealth, Employment and Entrepreneurship.

Orientation Programme on Sustainable Livelihood and Eco-Friendly Enterprise Opportunities Kongu Nadu Arts and Science College | 25 August 2026

 

An orientation programme on sustainable livelihood opportunities, eco-friendly technologies and value-added enterprises was successfully conducted for students at Kongu Nadu Arts and Science College on 25 August 2026, with technical guidance from Ecogreenunit Foundation, Coimbatore.

The programme was designed to introduce students to practical, environmentally sustainable business opportunities that can convert locally available agricultural and natural resources into value-added products and income-generating enterprises.

The orientation covered a wide range of innovative and sustainable activities, including Areca Leaf Plate Making, Banana Fibre Extraction and Mat Weaving, Coir Pot Making, Biochar Production, Coconut Shell Crafts, Vetiver Cultivation Methodologies and Value-Added Products, Microgreens Cultivation, and Lantana camara Crafts. Students were introduced to the basic technologies, production methodologies, raw-material utilization, value addition and potential entrepreneurial opportunities associated with each activity.

Special emphasis was given to vetiver cultivation and its value-added products, highlighting its potential for sustainable agriculture, soil conservation and rural entrepreneurship. The programme also created awareness about microgreens cultivation, which offers opportunities for small-scale urban and peri-urban enterprises with relatively limited space and resources.

The session on Lantana camara crafts and coconut shell crafts demonstrated how underutilized or problematic natural resources can be transformed into attractive, useful and marketable products. Similarly, the sessions on areca leaf plates, banana fibre and coir pots highlighted opportunities for converting agricultural residues and renewable resources into environmentally friendly products.

An important component of the programme was marketing and entrepreneurship development. Students were oriented on identifying market opportunities, product presentation, branding, quality standards, customer requirements and exploring both domestic and international markets. The importance of developing market-oriented products with consistent quality, appropriate packaging and professional marketing strategies was also discussed.

The orientation programme provided students with practical exposure to the growing opportunities in the green economy, circular economy, sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly product sectors. It encouraged them to look beyond conventional employment and explore entrepreneurship, self-employment, startups and social enterprises based on locally available resources.

The programme concluded with an emphasis on the importance of innovation, sustainability, skill development and market linkage in creating successful green enterprises. The initiative served as a valuable platform for creating awareness among students about emerging livelihood opportunities while promoting environmentally responsible and resource-efficient business models.

Ecogreenunit Foundation, Coimbatore expresses its appreciation to the management, faculty members and students of Kongu Nadu Arts and Science College for their active participation and support in making the orientation programme successful.

Orientation Programme on Areca Leaf Plate Making and Banana Fibre Value Addition at Zik Zak, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya 21st August 2026

 An Orientation Programme on Areca Leaf Plate Making and Banana Fibre Value Addition was organized by MSRLS and Ecogreenunit Foundation for farmers at Zik Zak, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The programme focused on converting locally available areca leaves and banana biomass into useful, eco-friendly products, creating opportunities for additional income, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods for farmers and rural communities.