Kenaf Post Harvest - Retting Process

(img source: jutecomm.gov.in)

In post harvest, kenaf stem will undergo a retting process with the objective of separating the bask from the strands. Traditionally, the retting is done by immersing the stems in open water via lakes, rivers, ditches, canals or even ponds. This will lead to the decomposition via aquatic microbes that will separate the non-fibrous materials linking the fibers to the bark. After retting, the fibers are then extracted manually and sun-dried before it is sent for further processing. However, if the fiber is set to be used for a higher grade products, manual water retting is not sufficient. Therefore, a bio-based retting technology is needed such as microbe retting. By using microbe retting, the removal of pectin in microbe retting of kenaf is 91.31% under the optimal retting conditions. There are also inexpensive methods of conserving during kenaf retting as details of it can be seen here Inexpensive methods of water conservation for kenaf retting (Cooperative research project)