ICAR-CIRCOT’s Technology for Value Addition to Agro-Residues: Waste to Wealth

ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai with vast experience and expertise in technology development and commercialisation, supported many start-ups to develop novel and marketable products from agro-residues. A Kerala based start-up, M/s. Rubber Engineers Enterprises, Thrissur, Kerala developed Natural Rubber based Fibre reinforced Garden pots with the technical inputs from ICAR-CIRCOT. These pots are flexible, degradable, long lasting and a potential substitute to plastic, terracotta and cement pots. This product enhances the use of natural fibres in a different spectrum of application.

ICAR-CIRCOT is popular for its waste to wealth technologies among the cotton farmers. In continuation of this tradition, the Institute has come up with technologies to give a wide range of products such as banana fibre based decorative wall panels and bamboo reinforced false ceilings with infinite range of natural colours. Also, the designs imparted using dried flower petals for aesthetic look. M/s. FNV Agro Packs, Pune has licensed ICAR-CIRCOT’s technology and a factory is being established in Pune. The estimated cost of machineries for the unit is Rs. 20.00 lakhs, for a capacity of 100 panels of size 2’ x 2’ per day; and, the cost of operation is Rs. 2000 per batch of 100 panels. For the purpose of demonstration, ICAR-CIRCOT’s video conferencing room is panelled completely with this banana fibre panels.

Similarly, cotton stalk is used for the development of composite seedling trays for horticultural applications in collaboration with ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune. All these products offer new extra remunerative approaches to the farming community in addition to supporting the budding entrepreneurs.

Contact Details:
The Director
ICAR-CIRCOT, Matunga, Mumbai 400019.
Web: www.circot.icar.gov.in;
Email: director[dot]circot[at]icar[dot]gov[dot]in