A team from Kaiboi Technical Institute demonstrating to CEC Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Mrs Mary Ng’elechei on how a banana ripening box works.The innovation which is a product of the institution, invented by Steve Simotwo, who is a student at the institution, has the capacity of ripening bananas within 3 days using organic gas called ethylene.The hormone is produced by ripe passion fruits that makes banana ripening process fast, safe and healthy for human consumption.The box which has a capacity to store 300-400 pieces of bananas is designed to modify conditions for ripening by increasing the temperatures and optimizing the use of ethylene gas.
Speaking in her office, when she received the guests Ng’elechei said that she was impressed by the innovation in the sector, adding that the County through department will consult with other departments to ensure that the technology penentrates the market.
According to the marketing officer in charge of the technology Mr Peter Bor the innovation has health benefits, cost effective and best for farmers since it doesn’t use any chemicals, electricity and shortens the ripening period thus increasing the sales.
The team had paid a courtesy visit to the department earlier today.