Yes, according to a Ugandan company that's buying banana stems in a business that turns fiber into attractive handicrafts. TEXFAD also takes material from a third party, Tupande Holdings Ltd., whose trucks deliver banana stems from farmers in central Uganda. Such items are possible because “banana fiber can be softened to the level of cotton,” Okello said. Working with researchers, TEXFAD is now experimenting with possible fabric from banana fiber. While it is now possible to make paper towels and sanitary pads from banana fiber, the company doesn't yet have the technology to make clothing, he said.

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Persons: —, mush, John Baptist Okello, David Bangirana, TEXFAD, Muganga, ” Muganga, ” Okello, Faith Kabahuma, ”, ___ Rodney Muhumuza Organizations: Agriculture Organization, Associated Press, Tupande Holdings Ltd, Uganda Bureau, Statistics Locations: MUKONO, Uganda, Ugandan, East, Food, matooke, Sheema, Kampala, TEXFAD, Europe