Thanjavur: The Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Thanjavur, has come up with an innovative idea to overcome the issue of disposing of coconut trees fallen in cyclone Gaja. It has developed biodegradable plates from coconut tree powder. This would help farmers dispose of the fallen trees in a profitable way.Normally, the coconut trees are used for making furniture and fuel purpose. IIFPT has the technology to convert the coconut wood powder into valuable plates. This plate has 150 to 200mm diameter and 1.0 to 1.5mm thickness and has a moisture barrier layer.The recent natural disaster has devastated the coconut growing areas of the delta region and around 90 lakh coconut trees have fallen. Disposing of the trees is a menace. Overcoming this issue the institute has developed technologies for the development of biodegradable plates from coconut tree powder that would support the farmers in disposing of them in a profitable way, IIFPT Director C Anandharamkrishnan said.“The institute has developed an easily biodegradable packaging plate from coconut wood powder. IIFPT is continuing this research further to make this plate in bigger size and make use of it in different food distribution areas. Each plate will cost Rs 3,” IIFPT director C Anandharamkrishnan said.The coconut tree powder plates will decompose easily in shorter duration. They will not affect environment. They can be used in ice cream shops, fruit salad distribution counters and other snacks distribution centres. If farmers approach the institute, they can get the technical know-how, scientists said.“The method of shredding the coconut trees, the condition of wood crumbs, and the level of compression are new things we have developed. Other things are the same as making plates,” a senior scientist said.

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