Goalpara leads the northeastern region in banana production
Over the next 3 years, the Goalpara District Mission Unit of ASRLM plans to set up 5 solar-powered banana chips manufacturing units across 5 blocks. In collaboration with the Block Program Manager, end users have been identified. As banana is the district's One District One Product (ODOP), there are 5 SHG groups, one in each block, involved in banana chips production. Currently, these groups make chips manually and sell them locally, facing challenges due to the lack of efficient technology.
The vision of #ASRLM is to establish 5 model banana chips manufacturing centers, one in each block. These centers will enhance production capacity and revenue, and serve as hubs for demonstration, learning, and exposure for SHG entrepreneurs.
In collaboration with the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM), SELCO Foundation has successfully established a solar-powered banana chips processing unit in the Golapara district of Assam. With a total project cost of ₹15 lakh, this initiative has been made possible through substantial support from ASRLM and SHG financing from Assam Grameen Vikash Bank.
The processing unit is equipped with energy efficient appliances, including a banana slicer, de-oiler, and an automatic nitrogen-filling pouch-making machine, all powered by a solar system. To guarantee the successful operation of the unit, comprehensive training in banana chip production was provided in collaboration with our vendors, empowering the operators with the skills needed to produce high-quality banana chips.
Problem statement:
- SHG groups make banana chips manually, leading to low production – unable to meet the rising demand.
- Solution to need fit – mechanisation for processing keeping in mind cash flows and business models
- Unreliable sources of energy
Solution & Impact:
Reduces operational labour costs by taking over tasks like peeling, slicing, frying, and packaging. Efficient machines lower production costs through reduced labour requirements, energy consumption, and waste production. For an entrepreneur, this translates into higher profit margins.
Labor is a significant cost in banana chips production. Efficient machines can automate several steps of the production process (e.g., peeling, slicing, frying, and packaging), reducing the need for manual labour.
#Goalpara #NortheastIndia #SolarPowered #SustainableEnergy #RuralDevelopment #WomenEmpowerment #SHGInitiative #EmpoweringCommunities #RenewableEnergy #ASRLM #SELCOFoundation
ASRLM DMMU | block mission management | AIC SELCO Foundation |
Diya Foundation