Leno Bags: Innovation in Agricultural Packaging - From Food to Fruits

Abstract

India is the largest producer of various commodities like milk vegetables, fruits, tea, pulses, butter, cereals, and meat. India ranks first in the production of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately it has also highest level of wastage for the above mentioned items in the world, resulting in money loss of about Rs. 25000 crores annually. This is mainly due to poor handling and packaging techniques adopted. The packaging materials currently being used are mostly used / reused jute bags and old designed plastics raffia bags. The leno bags, as suggested here, are an ideal alternative to packaging of these conventional materials and can be used for variety of agricultural applications. The biggest advantage of these bags is the excellent air permeability that increases more than 50 % of onions and potatoes life. Various other advantages of these bags are discussed at length in this paper. With little extra cost, Leno bags can be made on modified flat or circular looms, and can be laminated and made of attractive colours. All major and minor steps for its manufacturing process and technical features like product and machinery details are incorporated in this paper. Finally, the viability of this product is proved with the help of a sample project report-consisting of cost estimation, demand supply gape, list of suppliers etc.