Drawing on years of academic research, Dr Atom Annupama has launched a pioneering initiative that transforms agricultural waste into sustainable economic opportunity. By converting banana pseudo-stems—often discarded after harvest—into valuable products, she has emerged as a successful entrepreneur within a year of starting her venture.

Manipur has been facing prolonged unrest since May 2023, a period marked by economic disruption, job losses, and shrinking livelihood options. Amid this challenging environment, a new generation of young entrepreneurs has stepped forward with innovative, community-focused solutions aimed at job creation rather than job seeking. Dr Annupama stands out among them.

In March this year, she founded Chankorb Private Limited, a company built around the idea of “waste to wealth.” Her enterprise focuses on extracting fibre and value-added materials from banana pseudo-stems—an abundant but underutilised agricultural by-product in the region.

By applying scientific research to practical production, Dr Annupama has demonstrated how locally available resources can be leveraged for sustainable livelihoods. The initiative not only reduces agricultural waste but also opens up new income streams for farmers, women, and rural workers affected by the ongoing crisis.

Observers note that ventures like Chankorb Private Limited represent a shift in Manipur’s entrepreneurial landscape—where innovation is increasingly aligned with sustainability, resilience, and social impact. In a state struggling with instability, such efforts provide both economic relief and a sense of possibility.

Dr Atom Annupama’s journey underscores how research-driven entrepreneurship can play a critical role in rebuilding local economies, offering a model for inclusive growth at a time when Manipur needs it most.