Uganda has been making strides in the agricultural sector. Primarily, scientists at the National Agriculture Research Institute, in collaboration with the University of Bangor in the UK, have devised an innovative solution to reduce plastic waste. With the traditional method of using plastic wrappings to pot seedlings, plastic waste has become a significant danger to the environment in Uganda, contributing to 60% of pollution.
The new eco-plastic potting bags are biodegradable and are made from readily available farm waste, like bananas, cassava, and cereal. The production process involves making these materials into a paste mixed with other products like starch. Then, the paste is dried and rolled into a sheet of biodegradable plastic for use as seedling pots.
This is an innovative solution that could revolutionize the agricultural sector in Uganda. The benefits of the eco-plastic bags are two-fold, as they reduce plastic waste and add nutrients to the soil when the bags rot. With upcoming mass production, farmers will benefit from the sale of waste for processing, contributing to the country’s economy.
The project’s success could also lead to similar initiatives in other countries. Consequently, this practice will help reduce the global plastic waste problem and promote sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.
However, despite the advantages of the eco-plastic bags, they are susceptible to insect attacks. So, the researchers have developed a plant-based repellent in an attempt to solve this problem. The repellent repels insects and has mortality effects, killing some insects in high concentrations.
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