Lucknow: A resident of Hariharpur (Tamkuhiraj) in Kushinagar, Ravi Prasad faced a turning point in 2015 while pursuing his MA in economics. His father suffered a severe accident resulting in the loss of a leg, which compelled Ravi, the only child, to leave his studies and take over the household responsibilities. This life-altering event left him grappling with uncertainty about his future.
Determined to find a source of livelihood, Ravi moved to Delhi in search of opportunities.During a visit to the Pragati Maidan exhibition, he came across a stall showcasing products made from banana fibre. This sparked an idea. Realising the potential of banana fibre production, Ravi returned to Kushinagar late in 2017 with the goal of starting his own business.
His initiative received a major boost when chief minister Yogi Adityanath launched the One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative, designating banana fibre as Kushinagar's signature product. This govt support infused Ravi with a renewed sense of purpose. He applied for and received a Rs 5 lakh loan under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which enabled him to establish his banana fibre business.
Today, Ravi's venture has transformed his life and provided employment to over 50 women in the area. His business produces a wide range of items made from banana fibre, including bags, yoga mats, pen stands, carpets, laptop bags and slippers. He has even started selling some of these products to firms in Gujarat, underscoring the growing demand for his sustainable and eco-friendly goods.
In addition to creating jobs, Ravi has also made a significant environmental impact. The water extracted during the banana fibre separation process is rich in nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium. This water is sold for Rs 15-20 per litre, primarily to fish farmers, who use it to promote fish growth in ponds.
Ravi showcased his products at the International Trade Show in Greater Noida, where he sold out his entire stock. His story gained recognition and local authorities, including the district magistrate (DM) and chief development officer (CDO), visited his unit to acknowledge his contribution to the local economy.