Campaign for recycling of vegetable waste

The ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Regional Station, Coimbatore conducted a campaign on fruit and vegetable waste recycling at RS Puram Farmers' Market on Tuesday in which 20 farmer-vendors participated. Mr. G. Maheswaran, Agricultural Officer of the Farmers Market, explained the functioning mechanism, turnover of the market, volume of waste generated in a day (1.5-2.0 tonnes) from fruits and vegetables as well as initiatives taken for mechanical recycling. Mrs. S. Maheswari, Site Supervisor (Coimbatore Corporation) of the Recycling Unit, explained the vermicomposting process. Dr. Sadvatha RH, Scientist, highlighted the recent technologies in waste recycling and their utilisation, including bioactive extraction using fruits and vegetables, fermentation ethanol, enzymes, biopolymers, and biodegradable films, and described the need for collaboration with food industries. Dr. R. Senthil Kumar, Senior Scientist, explained the technologies and schemes of the government for vermicomposting. 
He also highlighted the need for community participation in overall hygiene, and sanitation initiatives in the workplace and residential areas to ensure a better livelihood. 
Leaflets on recent technologies in waste recycling were distributed to about 150 farmer-vendors.