Key Takeaways
✔ Eco-friendly solution – Crop waste turned into biodegradable sanitary napkins.
✔ Hygiene innovation – UriMate helps women avoid unhygienic public toilets.
✔ Cost-effective & sustainable – Uses locally sourced stubble, reducing plastic dependency.
Rajkot Startup Converts Farm Waste into Biodegradable Sanitary Pads
By AlwaysFirst News Desk
In a groundbreaking move toward sustainability and women’s health, two young innovators from Rajkot have developed biodegradable sanitary napkins using agricultural stubble—a crop residue often burned, contributing to severe air pollution. Foram Kundalia and Khushal Katdare, co-founders of Nishkaam Innovations, are turning farm waste into a hygienic, eco-friendly alternative to plastic-laden sanitary products.
From Crop Burning to Feminine Hygiene
Recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Nishkaam Innovations is incubated at Marwadi University’s Centre of Innovation, Incubation, and Research (MUIIR Centre). While their UriMate—a portable female urination device—is already available offline and soon launching online, their sanitary napkin prototype promises better absorption using agricultural stubble.
“Most sanitary pads in India contain 90% plastic and rely on imported materials,” says Khushal Katdare. “By using crop waste, we’re creating a sustainable, locally sourced alternative that benefits farmers and reduces pollution.”
Why This Innovation Matters
- Environmental Impact – Crop burning is a major contributor to air pollution; this repurposes waste.
- Cost-Effective – Cheaper than imported materials, supporting rural economies.
- Health Benefits – Reduces plastic exposure and improves menstrual hygiene.
UriMate: A Hygiene Game-Changer
The idea for UriMate emerged when the duo realized the lack of clean public toilets puts women at risk of infections. The device allows women to urinate standing up, eliminating contact with unhygienic surfaces.
Scaling Up with Government & CSR Support
Currently, Nishkaam relies on government grants and CSR funding for expansion. They’ve already received backing from NewGen IEDC, Marwadi University, and Pandit Deendayal Energy University.
The founders, childhood friends from Rajkot, named their venture Nishkaam—inspired by the Bhagavad Gita’s principle of selfless action. With their dual focus on sustainability and women’s health, they aim to make waves in both rural and urban markets.
“We’re not just selling products; we’re pushing for a cultural shift toward eco-conscious hygiene,” says Foram Kundalia.
As biodegradable pads near commercial launch, Nishkaam Innovations stands as a shining example of how grassroots innovation can tackle global challenges—one crop waste pad at a time.
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