Sarfraz from Quetta receives the Discover Natural Fiber Initiative award in the competition held at the Heimtextil exhibition
A research project by Mohammad Sarfraz, a student of Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, has received global recognition. The young researcher from Quetta won the Discover Natural Fiber Initiative (DNFI) award for fiber production from banana stems.
The award, which celebrates efforts to promote eco-friendly fibers, was presented during the global research competition held at the international interior textile trade fair, Heimtextil, in Frankfurt, Germany.
More than 100 research institutes, companies and educational organizations from around the world participated in the competition. Sarfraz’s achievement highlights the remarkable potential of young Pakistani minds, demonstrating the country’s growing presence in the field of sustainable research.
After receiving the award, Sarfraz dedicated the recognition to his teachers and the talented youth of Balochistan. He shared with the Express that he spent four years studying the process of producing high-quality fiber from banana stalks.
The project has received praise on various international platforms. However, Sarfraz is particularly proud of the success of his project compared to projects from European research institutions and developed countries.
Dr. Mohammad Qasim, Head of Textile Engineering Department at Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management and Sarfraz Project Supervisor, highlighted that the global recognition of the research proves that the youth of Balochistan possess capabilities comparable to those of any other nation. He believes that with the right opportunities, Pakistan’s name can be highlighted on the world stage.
He explained that this project has three stages: extracting natural fibers from banana waste, manufacturing a composite and yarn, then producing fabrics or other products.
Mohammad Fawwad Supriya, director of the Natural Fiber Company which provided industrial support to the project, noted that the award is an honor for Pakistan.
He highlighted that European companies present at Heimtextil have shown considerable interest in the project. There are plans to collaborate with a German company to manufacture and market products made from Pakistani banana waste fiber in Germany and other European countries, with a partnership agreement already in place.
Fawwad explained that the project will play a key role in reducing poverty and creating employment in marginalized areas of Sindh and Balochistan, thereby improving the quality of life of local communities. Fiber production from banana stems has already started in Sukkur and Lasbela, and the next phase will be to increase production to include 4,000 households. For this, Sarfraz has designed specialized machines locally.
He further clarified that the cost of a unit comprising two machines would be between Rs700,000 and Rs800,000. This unit can produce up to 1,000 kilograms of fiber per acre of banana waste. The fiber will then be used by skilled artisans in Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab to make handicrafts and traditional products.
According to Fawwad, Pakistan has the potential to produce 500 million kilograms of natural fiber from banana waste every year, with an estimated global market value of $1 billion. Additionally, the production of fiber products could generate significant foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Pakistan is one of the largest banana-producing countries, with millions of tonnes of banana waste generated every year, much of which is either burned or dumped into rivers, contributing to air and water pollution. The efforts of this student from Balochistan promise to not only alleviate poverty and create economic benefits, but will also play a vital role in environmental conservation.
