UltraTech’s Project Uday Converts Banana Waste into Livelihood Opportunities in Andhra Pradesh

New Delhi, April 13, 2026: UltraTech Cement Limited’s Andhra Pradesh Cement Works (APCW) in Tadipatri has implemented ‘Project Uday’, a sustainability initiative that converts agricultural waste into economic opportunities for rural communities. Since its launch in February 2025, the project has diverted over 800 metric tons of banana pseudostem waste from landfills and open burning, while supporting livelihoods for farmers and women entrepreneurs.

Tadipatri, a key banana cluster under India’s Agri Export Policy, produces approximately 41,000 metric tons of pseudostem waste annually. Recognising the potential of this biodegradable material, Project Uday was designed to create a zero-waste value chain, transforming agricultural residue into marketable eco-friendly products.

The initiative integrates multiple stages, including pseudostem collection, fibre extraction, yarn production, weaving, and handicraft manufacturing. UltraTech partnered with MusaFibral, a technical agency specialising in banana fibre solutions, to establish production processes and train participants. Vikasa Cooperative Society, a local women’s cooperative, supported community mobilisation and livelihood development.

In its first phase, around 500 farmers were trained to convert banana waste into organic manure and liquid fertilisers, while also contributing surplus biomass for further processing. The second phase focused on women’s empowerment, with 100 women from 10 self-help groups trained in fibre extraction, weaving, and handicraft production.

These women now produce eco-friendly items such as handbags, baskets, laptop sleeves, wall décor, and office accessories. Residual biomass is fully utilised through composting, liquid fertiliser production, and biogas generation, ensuring a zero-waste approach. Design inputs from the National Institute of Design (NID) and exposure visits to fibre enterprises in Anantapur have further enhanced product quality and market readiness.

Within the initial three months of implementation, the project successfully diverted over 800 metric tons of agricultural waste. The finished products are marketed through Vikasa Cooperative Society, exhibitions, and direct sales channels.

Funded by the UltraTech Community Welfare Foundation (UCWF), Project Uday follows a ‘build–transfer–sustain’ model, enabling participating women to gradually take ownership of the entire value chain. The cooperative has also been connected with NABARD to explore future financial support and scaling opportunities.

The initiative highlights a replicable model for sustainable rural development by addressing environmental challenges while creating income-generating opportunities. UltraTech plans to expand the project in phases to cover all 2,500 banana-growing farmers in the region.

UltraTech undertakes its social initiatives under the Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development, focusing on education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and community development. The company currently reaches over 1.8 million beneficiaries across more than 500 villages in 16 states.