Sisal and its Potential for Creating Innovative Employment Opportunities and Economic Prospects

Abstract

The tremendous potential of sisal (Agave sp.) as an important plant resource has not so far been fully exploited in our country. Sisal leaves yield quality fibres, which are utilized for conventional purposes like ropes, anchors, cordage and handicrafts. The superior engineering properties of sisal makes it an excellent green material for its application in major sectors like marine, automotive, construction and renewable energy etc. Preliminary investigations indicate that there is a great scope for the development of sisal based technologies for rural and engineering applications. The sisal fibre and its allied activities could augment employment opportunities for income generation in rural sector, whereas its engineering applications can generate substantial employment potential in semi-urban and urban areas. New opportunities for the use of sisal fibre as a reinforcing fibre in commodity papers potentially offers large markets and employment generation for rural area people in India.