Couple bring handwash lotion, floor cleaner from wastes

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 7 : Turning waste into opportunity, a couple from Lalambung has embraced recycling by making cleaning agents and other non-food items from fruit peels and fish scales.
Started the undertaking in 2020, Nongthombam Premananda (36) and his wife Tombisana recycle fruits and fish peels which otherwise would be discarded for profits to make a variety of items including floor cleaner, handwash lotion, hair conditioner and bio fertilizer.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Premananda said that he has adored natural items since childhood.
Saying that he graduated  from Plant Biotechnology at Madras Christian College in Chennai and completed a Mass Communication course too, he added that he worked sometimes outside Manipur.
Premananda continued that he took part in different forest conservation undertakings after returning home.
Saying that he decided to experiment on converting fruit peels and fish scales to household items after attending a programme organised by Manipur Permaculture Collective, Premananda added that his wife is equally enthusiastic in the profession.
He said that he collects fruit peels from juice bars and food factories and fish scales from Khwairamband Keithel.
Saying that he also produces chenghi (hair care lotion), Premananda said that he always sends the sample of the cosmetic items he produces for testing outside Manipur.
Some of the items Premananda produces are bio-fertilizer from fish scales, handwash lotion and floor cleaners from fruit peels and hair care lotion among others.
Stating that handwash and hair care lotions are made available to consumers in 300 ml package, bio-fertiliser (amino acid ) in 100 ml and floor cleaner in 500 ml, he said that he sells all his  items between Rs 140 and Rs 250.
Premananda went on to say that he got some financial assistance from North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach and Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the money was used in procuring machinery.
Stating that he often consults with experts in developing formulae for the cleaning agents, Premananda said that he will work hard to develop other items too.
People of Manipur spend a large chunk of money in buying household items and most of them are brought from other States, he said while expressing delight on people supporting his undertaking.
Saying that he, however, doesn't have a proper work-station, Premananda maintained that he may be able to provide employment opportunities to some people if he gets a spacious work-station.