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.