Sustainable Efficient Industrial Development in Bhutan & Nepal (SEID) has conducted a seminar on the dust controlling system directing for rice & beaten rice industries’ CEOs working under Bhaktapur Association of Cottage and Small Industries (BACSI).

SEID is the European Union (EU) funded project under the Switch Asia program, with a co-funding from Austrian Development Corporation (ADC). During the program held on Nov 12, the CEOs also observed a locally made dust controlling system recently installed at one of the BACSI members, Laxmi beaten rice, under the technical support of SEID.

In the event, Ram Sunder Khatako, the President BACSI encouraged the CEOs to replicate the simple and low-cost technology. Similarly, Stefan Melnitzky, Senior Technical Expert from SEID highlighted on how pollution prevention steps pay back to the industry and society both immediately and in the long run. The program was participated by 27 CEOs besides BACSI officials.

During the tour to the Laxmi beaten rice Industry, SEID Technical Experts explained the mechanical aspects of the device to the CEOs, many of whom remarked that they would like to install the same in their industries soon. 

According to the CEO of Laxmi Beaten Rice, Birendra Jatti, after the installation of the device, there has been 80% dust reduction in his factory along with significant improvement in the employees ‘working condition as well as enhanced industry’s image among the neighborhood. Mr. Jatti also added that now he can also collect and sell the dust for Rs 15 per K.G. as feedstuff.

Earlier last month, the EU High Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs along with EU Ambassador for Nepal, Ms. Rensje Teerink and other delegates of EU visited the same industry to apprehend the impact of the EU’s support under SEID.