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Scientists from the National Agriculture Research Institute in Uganda have embarked on an innovative project aimed at combating plastic waste and safeguarding the environment. Traditionally, farmers have relied on plastic wrappings to pot seedlings, only to discard them during the planting process, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem. In a breakthrough, Ugandan researchers have developed biodegradable potting bags made from eco-plastic that can be buried in the soil alongside the seedlings.

This new bio-plastic material decomposes in the soil over time, enriching the farmland by reintroducing valuable nutrients. Dr. Ephraim Nuwamanya, the head of the Biochemistry Unit at the National Agriculture Research Institute, explains that the bio-plastic is derived from agricultural waste such as banana, cassava, and cereal, eliminating the need for oil-based or fossil-based plastics.

Uganda generates around 1.4 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, with much of it being underutilized.

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Plastic waste accounts for approximately 60% of environmental pollution in Uganda, with much of it ending up in drainage channels and eventually finding its way into Lake Victoria, upon which millions depend. Although the government has attempted to ban single-use plastics, enforcement has been challenging. In light of this, the researchers are capitalizing on the abundance of readily available farm waste to produce bio-plastic bags.

The process involves drying the farm waste and transforming it into a powdered form, which is then mixed with other components, including starch, to create a paste. This paste is dried and rolled into sheets to produce biodegradable plastic for use as seedling pots. Field trials are currently underway in the Mt Elgon region of Eastern Uganda, involving seedling farmers.

One challenge faced by the bio-plastic bags is their susceptibility to insect attacks. However, the scientists have developed a plant-based repellent to combat this issue. Profilio Tukundane, a Biochemistry master’s student from Makerere University, explains that the repellent effectively repels insects when applied to the bio-plastic, and in higher concentrations, it can even cause mortality.

Uganda generates around 1.4 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, with much of it being underutilized. The researchers believe that this project will benefit farmers greatly, as they can now sell their waste for processing. To further expand the initiative, Uganda is collaborating with the University of Bangor in the United Kingdom, with plans to commence mass production within a year.

With the introduction of these eco-plastic potting bags, Ugandan scientists are taking a significant step towards mitigating plastic waste pollution in agriculture, safeguarding the environment, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

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