Water hyacinth;one of the most problem causing weeds in the world may no longer be considered as man has learned to exploit it.It arose from Amazon Rain forests and was propagated to other parts of world as an ornamental plant.It is known to choke and kill aquatic life,hinders transport and promotes mosquito breeding.
But now its is being used to produce bio-gas,composts. No wonder you can find jackets,stylish jewellery,bags etc. Matured plant have stems 17-25 inches;which are cut-dried and made into value added products.These plants grow freely in water bodies and easily retains its growth after stem cut.
But recent innovations have made its exploitation more profitable,easy and economic.No wonder you can find jackets,stylish jewellery,bags etc.With the increased pressure on bamboo and cane,this has emerged as a alternative for cottage industry.Recently in the North-Eastern region of India;the innovation of making handicraft from Water hyacinth won the "NAWARD award for rural innovation 2012".The North Eastern Council and NAWARD has given financial assistance to the crafts men to train artisans.Commercialization of the products from this weed on global scale is yet another step needed to taken......
But now its is being used to produce bio-gas,composts. No wonder you can find jackets,stylish jewellery,bags etc. Matured plant have stems 17-25 inches;which are cut-dried and made into value added products.These plants grow freely in water bodies and easily retains its growth after stem cut.
What isn't made into fiber products is easily made into fuel in several ways. It can be made into compost and biochar, too. Some livestock thrive on it. Other weeds that should be exploited for control are Typha (cattails) and Phragmites.
ReplyDeleteexactly ! In some parts of Africa,scientists have developed biogas plants to obtain fuel from weeds.(mainly water hyacinth). Biocompost is another option. Also some farmers are using weeds as substrate for Mushroom cultivation. Kudos to innovative brains !
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