Problem: The banana stem is a byproduct of banana production and is considered waste. India is a large producer of bananas resulting in large quantities of stems as a wastage.
Solution: Mr Murugesan developed a spinning machine using bicycle wheel rims and pulleys and perfected it so that it can be used for producing usable threads from banana stems. It is an innovation involving a hand-wheel mechanism to make rope/fibers from the banana sheath engaging five people per wheel in the process. Earlier each wheel yielded only around 2,500 meters of rope, with improvements in design the new machine, produced an average of 15,000 meters, employing just four people in all.
Social and environmental impact: The innovation turns waste into ropes for bags and baskets that are environmentally friendly. It also generates alternative sources of livelihood and Income. Currently, Mr. Murugesan himself is able to generate employment for 350 rural women.
