Patna: An engineer from Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district has developed a technology to manufacture eco-friendly utensils and other products from corn husks, offering an alternative to single-use plastics while creating opportunities for farmers and rural workers.
Naz Ozair, a resident of Muradpur village under Chhitrouli Panchayat in Kurhani block, has developed products including tea cups, plates, bowls, glasses, straws and bags using corn husks that are generally discarded as agricultural waste.
After years of research and experimentation, Ozair secured a patent from the Government of India for his technology. He subsequently established MNO Swadeshi India Pvt. Ltd. on May 26, 2026, and began production after receiving the patent certificate.
Five Years Of Research Led To Corn Husk Innovation
Ozair said concerns about the potential health risks associated with plastic utensils motivated him to explore alternatives. He spent nearly five years researching fibres from bamboo, banana and papaya before turning to corn husks.
Through experimentation, he developed a technique to heat and mould the husks at a specific temperature so that the finished products retain their shape.
He applied for a patent on March 1, 2019, and received the official certificate on February 21, 2024.
The innovation aims to reduce dependence on single-use plastic products while finding a productive use for agricultural waste.
Corn Husks Sourced From Farmers
Ozair purchases corn husks from farmers at around Rs 1-2 per kilogram. According to him, the manufacturing cost of individual products ranges from Rs 0.45 to Rs 0.50, while bowls are sold for approximately Rs 2 apiece.
His business currently generates an annual net income of around Rs 5 lakh and employs eight local people at its small factory.
Ozair aims to replace at least 100 single-use plastic products with environmentally friendly alternatives over the next 10 years.
Bihar Government Promotes Rural Innovation
Officials from the Rural Development Department said rural innovations of this kind were being encouraged under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) and the Lohia Swachh Bihar Abhiyan.
Efforts are under way to disseminate the technology and processes used to convert corn husks into useful products. Local people are also receiving training, with support from Ozair, to transform agricultural waste into marketable items.
The initiative is intended to promote waste utilisation, encourage rural entrepreneurship and create additional livelihood opportunities.
Minister Praises Initiative
Rural Development and Information and Public Relations Minister Shrawon Kumar praised Ozair’s work, describing it as an example of rural innovation and self-reliance.
“Innovations of this kind in rural areas represent a major step towards making Bihar self-reliant. Engineer Naz Ozair’s initiative to manufacture eco-friendly utensils from corn husks is highly commendable and serves as an example for others to follow,” Kumar said.
He added that the state government was promoting initiatives that nurture rural talent and add value to agricultural waste.
The technology, Kumar said, could help reduce the use of single-use plastics, support environmental cleanliness and generate employment in rural areas.
“The government is committed to extending all possible encouragement and support to such promising entrepreneurs and startups,” he said.
