Vol. 7, Issue 7, Part B (2025)

This study evaluates the performance and economic feasibility of a banana fiber production unit established at the village Rakhi, district Bemetara, Chhattisgarh and operated by a Women Self-Help Group to extract fiber from banana pseudo stems. India, being one of the largest banana producers, particularly in regions like Chhattisgarh, generates substantial banana stem waste after harvest (January to June), which can be effectively utilized for fiber production. The performance analysis of the fiber extraction unit focused on machine specifications, input capacity, and efficiency. The fiber extracting machine demonstrated an efficiency of 10.65% to 13.00%, with an input capacity of 107.66-110.00 kg/h and an output of 11.47-12.50 kg/h for fresh fiber and 1.60-2.00 kg/h for dry fiber. The hydraulic press and manual screw press showed water-based efficiencies of 65.49% and 46.01%, fiber-based efficiencies of 28.58% and 45.19%, and input capacities of 205 kg/h and 175 kg/h respectively. The waste fiber-recovery machine operated at 80% efficiency with a 60 kg/h input capacity, while the 7-stage filtration machine showed 71.67% efficiency at 67 kg/h, equivalent to approximately 63.81 L/h based on an assumed density of 1.05 kg/L. The processing unit incurred a total operational cost of ₹ 838.73 per hour. The fiber extraction machine accounted for ₹168.23 per hour (₹14.67 per kilogram) and exhibited a payback period of 41.23 days. The complete unit achieved a breakeven point at 720 (approximately) operating hours per year, with a payback period of 108.5 days. These results demonstrate that banana fiber extraction is not only technically feasible but also economically viable, presenting a sustainable livelihood opportunity particularly for rural, women-led enterprises.