A student from Balochistan has gained international recognition for developing an innovative and sustainable method to produce natural fiber from banana stems, highlighting Pakistan’s growing presence in green technology and eco-friendly innovation.
Mohammad Sarfraz, a researcher at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, won the prestigious Discover Natural Fiber Initiative award at the Heimtextil International Exhibition held in Frankfurt, Germany. The global competition featured participation from more than 100 research institutions and companies worldwide, where Sarfraz’s project stood out for its focus on converting agricultural waste into valuable natural fiber.
His research demonstrates how banana stems, usually discarded as waste, can be transformed into high-quality fiber suitable for yarn, composites, fabric, and other products. The project not only impressed international judges but also showcased Pakistan’s potential in sustainable textiles and circular economy solutions.
Sarfraz dedicated the award to his teachers and the youth of Balochistan, sharing that he spent four years researching the extraction, processing, and application of banana stem fiber. He expressed pride in competing successfully against projects from leading European institutions.
Dr. Mohammad Qasim, head of the Textile Engineering Department at BUITEMS and Sarfraz’s research supervisor, said the achievement proves that young talent from Balochistan can compete on a global level when given the right opportunities and support.
The project follows a three-stage process that includes extracting fiber from banana waste, converting it into yarn and composite materials, and producing fabric and finished products. Industrial partner Mohammad Fawwad Supriya confirmed strong international interest in the innovation, noting that European companies have shown willingness to collaborate. A German firm has already signed an agreement to manufacture and market products made from Pakistani banana fiber.
According to Fawwad, the initiative is expected to generate employment and help reduce poverty in Sindh and Balochistan. Fiber production has already begun in Sukkur and Lasbela, while the next phase aims to involve around 4,000 households in the value chain.
To support large-scale production, Sarfraz has designed low-cost fiber extraction machines locally. A unit consisting of two machines costs between Rs700,000 and Rs800,000 and can produce up to 1,000 kilograms of fiber per acre of banana waste.
Experts estimate that Pakistan has the potential to produce nearly 500 million kilograms of natural fiber annually from banana waste, creating an estimated global market value of up to one billion dollars. The project also contributes to environmental protection by reducing the burning and dumping of banana waste, which currently leads to air and water pollution.
Sarfraz’s achievement underscores how local innovation and research can turn agricultural waste into economic opportunity while promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation.
