REPORT ON ONE-DAY WORKSHOP-CUM-TRAINING PROGRAMME On “Lemongrass Briquette Making Technology”

A One-Day Workshop-cum-Training Programme on “Lemongrass Briquette Making Technology” was organised on 4th September 2026 at Madhyermura, Sepahijala, Tripura, under the project “Empowering Tripura’s Women through Sustainable and Efficient Lemongrass Harvesting and Low Carbon Oil Extraction.” The programme was supported by the SEED Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and jointly organised by NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT) and Tripura University (Central).

The programme aimed to provide beneficiaries with practical knowledge and skills related to the utilisation of lemongrass biomass for briquette production, while promoting sustainable practices, efficient resource utilisation and livelihood opportunities, particularly for women.

Proceedings of the Programme

The programme commenced at 12:00 Noon with the registration and reception of beneficiaries, coordinated by the beneficiaries and Ms. Debasmita Ganguly, Research Scholar, NBIRT.

This was followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Sri Mohit Lal Acharjee, Sr. Executive Member, NBIRT, who welcomed the dignitaries, participants and beneficiaries and highlighted the importance of the training programme.

The inaugural session continued with the address of the Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Gon Chaudhury, Hony. President, NBIRT. He shared his valuable insights and encouraged the participants to make effective use of the knowledge and technology demonstrated through the programme.

Subsequently, Dr. Richik Ghosh Thakur, Co-PI of the Lemongrass Project, DST, Government of India, delivered a detailed demonstration and technical presentation on lemongrass briquette-making technology. His session provided the participants with an understanding of the practical application of the technology and the possibilities of converting lemongrass residues into useful, low-carbon fuel products.

A Vote of Thanks was then proposed by Ms. Debasmita Ganguly, Research Scholar, NBIRT, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, supporting organisations, trainers, staff members and beneficiaries for their valuable contribution towards the successful organisation of the programme.

Hands-on Training

After a short break, the programme proceeded to the most important practical component—hands-on training on lemongrass briquette making. The practical session was conducted by Dr. Richik Ghosh Thakur and other staff members of NBIRT.

The participants were given practical exposure to the technology and were encouraged to actively participate in the demonstration. The hands-on component enabled the beneficiaries to gain a better understanding of the process and its potential application at the community level.

Following the practical session, a Feedback and Assessment session was conducted to assess the participants’ understanding of the training and to collect their valuable feedback regarding the programme.

The programme concluded with a Hi-Tea, providing an opportunity for the participants, organisers and dignitaries to interact and exchange views.

The workshop successfully provided the beneficiaries with both theoretical and practical exposure to lemongrass briquette-making technology. The programme emphasised the productive utilisation of lemongrass biomass and its potential to contribute towards sustainable energy solutions and additional livelihood opportunities.

The practical training is expected to encourage beneficiaries to explore value addition, waste utilisation, low-carbon technology and income-generating activities based on locally available lemongrass resources.

Conclusion

The One-Day Workshop-cum-Training Programme on Lemongrass Briquette Making Technology was successfully conducted with active participation from the beneficiaries and support from NBIRT, Tripura University and DST, Government of India.

The programme served as a meaningful platform for knowledge dissemination, skill development and promotion of sustainable livelihood opportunities. The combination of expert guidance, technical demonstration and hands-on training made the programme informative and practically useful for the participants.

The successful completion of the programme reflects the collective efforts of the organisers, technical experts, staff members and beneficiaries towards promoting sustainable and efficient utilisation of lemongrass resources in Tripura.