Small Scale Enterprises Research Articles

Implementation of Small-Scale Industries and Medium-Scale Industries using Agile Manufacturing in Different Methods

The overall market for current power gadgets and get-together structures with related organizations has a gigantic number of individuals with numerous things in different applications like social occasion parts, exhausting and material clearing. Clients are found in adventures like the auto business, off-turnpike vehicles, the equipment business, aeronautics, devices, the energy region, and general present-day get-togethers. In particular, the business area has been powerful in making advanced electric present-day contraptions and systems that assist clients with achieving getting according to their subtleties and cutoff missteps and breaks in progress. With a rising interest in electric vehicles, battery creation, and creating use of lighter materials, the auto business centres around imaginative party plans. The market demands new assembling developments, for example, controlling paste and sealants and self-infiltrating riveting. The market for machine vision ends up being continuously huge, driven by creating revenue in computerization, quality and proficiency in current creation. Machine vision courses of action are used in discrete creation, similar to the vehicle business, and conflicting cycle creation, similar to metal and paper creation, significant level material collecting, and sun-fueled chargers. Nimble Assembling and Nimble Gathering is a technique for making and Creating things in a manner that is more versatile and Flexible than Standard Systems. This implies Changing or Adjusting the Creation Communication Quickly and Actually to satisfy the Client's endless needs better. The Gathering System is working and has changed to a 21st-century technique. Expected to be Very Responsive. They license makers to rapidly answer changes, whether those changes are in client interest, advancement, or even the business place itself. Keywords—Agile Manufacturing. Organizations' names are PSR, ABC, and SRR veiled are be the Tainted level, and can't be revived since organizations are Coercion Objects are Situated in Mysore City (India).

Lower back pain and associated factors among weavers working in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among workers of informal small-scale enterprises. Specifically, lower back pain is a prevalent occupational health problem across various industries, including weaving factories. Lower back pain significantly impairs the functioning, performance, and productivity of weavers. However, information on the prevalence and associated factors of low back pain among weavers of Bahir Dar City and nationwide is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of lower back pain among weavers working in Bahir Dar City. A multicentered institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 403 weavers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, from April to May 2023 using a structured face-to-face interview questionnaire. Samples were proportionally allocated to each institution, and study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression were adopted for the multivariate logistic regression analysis after verifying the model fitness. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a P-value < 0.05 were considered to identify the associated factors of lower back pain among weavers. The results revealed that the overall annual prevalence of lower back pain was 63.5% (95% CI = 58.8-68.5). Longer working hours [AOR = 2.580 (CI = 1.517-4.384)], lack of back support [AOR = 1.938 (CI = 2.089-3.449)], repetitive movement of the back during weaving [AOR = 5.940 (CI = 2.709-13.02)], awkward posture [AOR = 2.915 (CI = 1.677-5.065), static working posture [AOR = 4.505 (CI = 2.298-8.831)], and job stress [AOR = 3.306 (CI = 1.896-5.765)] were significantly associated with lower back pain among weavers. Lower back pain among weavers was found to be highly prevalent. Working longer hours, lack of back support, repetitive movement of the back, awkward posture, static posture, and job stress were significantly associated with lower back among weavers. The study recommends prompt interventions on weavers to ensure that they use sitting support, weave for <8 h per day, change positions every 2 h, reduce job-related stress, and minimize task repetition, thereby enhancing their working conditions and minimizing the occurrence of lower back pain.

The Import Substitution Practices of Russia as a Model for the Nigerian Soft Drinks Market

The present study focuses on the issues of import substitution practices in Russia and Nigeria that can be useful in the current reality of the world economy. However, the Nigerian economy has great potential for import substitution in the current process of de-globalization. However, it is crucial to use the Russian experience. The study revealed that the comparison of Nigerian and Russian Soft drink markets is an excellent example of the drawbacks that can occur upon realizing protectionism governmental policies. Therefore, the paper recommends for import substitution policy that will promote economic diversification that supports local production and increases exports. The research concludes that import substitution policy can be successfully implemented if it is focused on economic growth and development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the partnering countries.

Defects of Coffee Beans with Different Postharvest Processes and Roasting Temperatures on Volatile Compounds of Coffee Beans from Coffee Small-Scale Industries of West Lampung Indonesia

Specialty coffee is processed by performing high standards nationally (SNI) and internationally (SCAA). Good handling in the small coffee industry is essential to producing coffee raw materials as a refreshing drink. The aroma released from the best coffee beans gives an emotional flavor to the drinker - the aroma produced from the best coffee beans with different post-harvest methods. This study analyzed the physical quality of moisture content, coffee bean defects from dry processing post-harvest handling (natural and honey), and different roasting temperature differences to produce volatile compound profiles from three small-scale coffee industries. Six samples of raw materials from 3 small-scale coffee industries were selected by purposive sampling with the criteria that the processing farmer had performed SNI standards. Six coffee samples from the September harvest in 2022. Observations were made in the laboratory for analysis of moisture content and quality defects of coffee beans, then roasted by the industry and analyzed descriptively and multivariate analysis for volatile compounds. The moisture content of coffee beans from all coffee industries has met the requirements following SNI 01-2907-2008, that the moisture content is not more than 12.5 %. All coffee beans produced have 50 % potential as fine robusta coffee beans because they have no primary defects. Increasing the roasting temperature on all coffee beans increases volatile compounds. Coffee beans processed with honey produced more volatile compounds than the natural post-harvest method. The caffeine content in all post-harvest processing processes in the three industries has a difference in concentration due to differences in roasting temperature and time. The study that in the three-ground coffee small-scale industries processed by the natural post-harvest method, carbamic acid compounds were suspected to be from carbamate class insect pesticides (carbofuran) and the fungicide pyraclostrobin. Considering that pesticide residues harm human health, it is essential to implement measures to educate farmers to use organic fertilizers and ensure consumer safety. HIGHLIGHTS Kopi merupakan komoditas unggulan Provinsi Lampung Indonesia Kopi cacat mempengaruhi Kualitas mutu biji kopi Kopi yang dihasilkan IKM merupakan Kopi robusta petik buah merah Terdapat temuan kontaminasi dari senyawa kimia carbamate acid dari pemakaian herbisida/insektisida yang digunakan petani GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Assessing the Performance of Small-Scale Industries in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study assessed the performance of small-scale industries (SSIs) in the Tamale Metropolis of the northern region. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and sixty (160) respondents who were administered with questionnaires. Out of the 160 respondents, 154 of them responded to the questionnaire constituting a response rate of 96%. On the effects of insufficient finance on the performance of SSIs, most of the respondents used their own personal savings to set-up their industries with a few getting financial support from government agencies such as National Board for small scale industries (NBSSI), GRATIS Project, Technology Transfer Centre, and Ghana Enterprises Development Commission and banks. The results also revealed that lack of finance was the major constrain to the growth of SSIs. Again on the effect of managerial skills on the performance of SSIs, many of the respondents indicated that their industries are been managed by their own boss with employees as supporting staff and that cost of equipment/raw materials were the major obstacles that management team of SSIs face. In investigating the effects of inadequate equipment and technology of SSIs, most of the respondents indicated that they could not buy the required equipment and use ICT and advance technology in the operations of their firms. Only 20.8% of the respondents had access to technical support (training) and many of them too have not registered or acquired the appropriate license for their operations. The study recommended that government agencies like NBSSI, GRATIS Project, and Technology Transfer Centre should assist owners of SSIs to buy the required equipment to grow their firms. There should also be frequent technical support training programmes to help SSIs owners and encourage them to register and acquire the appropriate license for their operations.

Small and medium scale enterprises and economic growth in Nigeria

Due to the inconclusive situation of empirical studies on Small and Medium Enterprises ( SMEs) and economic growth in Nigeria and the need to promote growth accompanied by poverty alleviation, this study examined SMEs financing and economic growth in Nigeria from 1999 to 2021. The hypotheses formulated and tested in the study included that there is no significant relationship between commercial bank loans, total credit to the private sector (which captures other means of financing SMEs) and lending rate. Annual data was collected from the Central Bank Statistical Bulletin. The augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test revealed that the variables were stationary at the first difference, while the Johansen co-integration test indicated a long-run relationship among the variables. The Vector Error Correction Mechanism (VECM) indicated commercial bank loans have a weak negative effect on economic growth. Total credit to the private sector has a positive effect on economic growth, while lending rates have a significant negative effect on economic growth. It was concluded that SMEs financing has significant positive effects on economic growth in Nigeria. It was recommended that the government encourage more commercial bank loans to SMEs by guaranteeing such loans, more development bank branches should be established; and the lending rate should be lowered.

Influence of loading on the heat transfer rate and specific water consumption of detached loosed fresh palm fruits during vertical mini-batch sterilization

This study presents the effect of loading on the heat transfer rate and specific water consumption of detached loosed fresh palm fruits during sterilization. Sterilization is an integral process of palm oil extraction that consumes a lot of water. However, most industrial research in the past focused on fresh fruit bunch (FFB) sterilization dynamics. At the same time, the medium- and small-scale industries sterilize already detached loosed fresh palm fruits (LFPF) that have been removed from the spikelet as purchased from aggregators. Therefore, the process data generated from the sterilization of FFB might not be optimal for sterilizing LFPF. This study, therefore, investigates the transient response of variation in LFPF loading of the sterilization chamber to steam injection during steam sterilization of LFPF at 3 ± 0.5 bars using a vertical, single-peak LFPF sterilizer that combines the boiler and sterilizer in a single unit. The LFPF were loaded at mass intervals of 0.2 kg ranging from 0.2 kg to 2 kg. The vapour temperature dynamics, heat transfer rate, steam energy utilization efficiency and specific water consumption parameters were studied. The average vapour temperature varied from 100 °C to 130 °C for the LFPF mass range of 0.2 to 2 kg at steam injection temperature of 140 °C and pressure of 3 ± 0.5 bars. This temperature range matched the saturated vapour temperature of pure water at 1.0––2.8 bars absolute pressure but slightly lower than the saturated vapour temperature of 133.54 °C for pure steam at 3 bars. The percentage of steam energy utilization effectiveness is inversely related to the steam mass flow rate. While energy effectiveness increased with loading mass, the steam mass flow rate decreased with increased LFPF mass. The value of the heat transfer rate ranged between 1.7––55.4 W, while the specific heat transfer rate ranged between 8.5–––41.8 W/kg. The average specific water consumption ranged from 0.014 to 0.09 kg-water/kg-LFPF, with an average value of 0.031 kg-water/kg-LFPF. This value is lower than 0.112–––0.5 kg-water/kg-FFB, with an average value of 0.256 kg-water/kg-FFB for conventional FFB steam sterilization. This represents an 87.9 % reduction in water consumption in conventional FFB steam sterilization. An empirical model deduced for specific heat transfer rate and water consumption for steam sterilization of LFPF at 3 ± 0.5 bars and vapour temperature range of 100––130 °C showed a high coefficient of determination above 99 %.

Comparative Analysis of Winding of Multiple Yarns on Automated Winding Machine

In this work, an automated yarn winding machine for small-scale industry is attempted to be designed and developed. Any nation’s economy benefits greatly from the textile industry, but in India, where it employs almost 66 million people, this is particularly true. The demand for premium yarn is rising along with the ready-to-wear industry. In order to determine if it is feasible to wind a rod of varying length on an automated winding machine, a comparative investigation of the various yarn materials is conducted in this paper. A few phenomena that may cause yarn strength to decline are also investigated. This led to the discovery that non-traditional winding procedures produce better results than conventional winding approaches. In this the experiments performed on cotton, polyester and wool and compared analysis is done.

Degradation kinetics of lycopene from red amaranth & preparation of winter melon jelly using this lycopene and comparison with commercial jelly

This study was conducted to observe the storage conditions, such as solvent and temperature, of lycopene content and degradation kinetics from red amaranth (Amaranthus gangeticus). Jelly was prepared using the extracted lycopene, the physicochemical properties and lycopene content. The extract with the maximum amount of lycopene was obtained by extraction with hexane, acetone and ethanol (2:1:1),50 ± 9 mg/kg. Higher lycopene degradation was observed at refrigerated temperature as compared to ambient temperature in hexane acetone (6:4) solvent throughout the storage periods. In this period, the initial lycopene concentration was measured to be 17 ± 8 mg/kg, whereas at the end of the storage time, it was found to be 3.0 ± 0.8 mg/kg. Hence, the results indicate that the hexane, acetone, and ethanol (in a ratio of 2:1:1) solvent method is viable for extracting and purifying lycopene from red amaranth at refrigerated temperature. This lycopene can serve as both a natural colorant and a value-added product. However, it is worth noting that lycopene can also be extracted and purified using recrystallization, column chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) methods. The Winter melon jelly using lycopene from red amaranth contained moisture 29.6 %, ash 0.67 %, acidity 0.35 %, reducing sugar 26.8 %, non-reducing sugar 35.4 %, total soluble solid 66°brix and lycopene content 26.04 mg/kg. Proper utilization of lycopene extracted from red amaranth during the preparation of bakery, confectionary, baby food etc., may help and encourage the development of small-scale industries in the country.

Sustainable integrated solid waste management for a university campus − A case study of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria

This study provides valuable insights into the waste composition, generation rates, and opportunities for improving the current solid management practices of a university campus in Sub-Saharan Africa. Representative points were selected within the campus to collect solid waste (SW). The SW were sampled following ASTM D5231-92. The quadrant method prescribed by ASTM D 6323 was used to reduce about 150 kg of collected waste to 50 kg. The SW samples were collected in triplicates and sorted manually to determine their composition. QGIS, a geographic information system was utilized to optimize waste collection efficiency, optimal collection points, and the number of waste bins. The average daily solid waste generation at FUTA was 952.3 kg, with polythene and paper waste constituting the largest proportions at 26 % and 24 %, respectively. The waste generation rate per capita was estimated at 0.046 kg per day. Remarkably, 81 % of the waste generated at FUTA has the potential for recycling. This offers a viable potential for promoting sustainable integrated solid waste management (SISWM). The study proposes optimising waste collection points from the initial 42 to 97, considering the proximity to buildings and transportation routes. The study did not consider fluctuations in waste generation rates and composition throughout the seasons, yet the data gathered is considered adequate for this initial survey. Lack of collaboration, adequate policies, funds, infrastructure, and political will are among the impediments to SISWM in FUTA. The introduction of colour-coded waste separation bins, and assigning different colours to specific waste types, can promote proper waste disposal and facilitate recycling. Also, engaging the university community through workshops and seminars can foster such behavioural change. Collaboration with local entrepreneurs and recycling centres is another essential aspect of this paradigm shift. Such partnerships can explore innovative solutions for upcycling polythene waste and create waste-to-wealth pathways. Initial challenges of an insufficient policy framework for university- small scale enterprises (SME) engagement and the lack of business growth models could be addressed by promoting relevant skill development and motivational tasking of the existing entrepreneurship faculty. By implementing the proposed strategies and embracing circular economy (CE) principles, FUTA can reduce its environmental impact, promote recycling, and foster a culture of sustainability and entrepreneurial value creation on campus and beyond.

Study on Physico-Chemical properties and their impact on water body in Kamuni Lake, Shamshabad, Rangareddy District, Telangana

Kamuni Lake, situated in Shamshabad, Rangareddy, is among the largest lakes in the region, surrounded by numerous small-scale industries and urban settlements. The lake is significantly affected by the disposal of garbage from nearby communities and industrial waste, which has a detrimental impact on its natural ecosystem. Over a one-year period from 2022 to 2023, a comprehensive study was conducted to assess the water quality of Kamuni Lake. Monthly water samples were collected and analyzed for various physical and chemical characteristics, with seasonal variations documented across three distinct seasons. The results were compared against standard values to evaluate pollution levels at different stations. The analysis revealed substantial changes in various physico-chemical parameters across all three seasons, primarily attributed to wastewater discharge and human activities. Station V, located near the waste discharge area of the urban settlement, exhibited higher values of several physico-chemical parameters compared to standard values. The current conditions suggest that Kamuni Lake risks losing its biological activity if pollution continues unabated.

Rules of the Game and Efficacy of Public Microcredit Schemes: Evidence from Selected Borrowers in Malawi

This paper contributes to the scholarly debates that question the efficacy of microcredit schemes in development programming. Dominant political economy debates posit that microcredit schemes have failed to achieve the envisaged financial inclusion and small-scale enterprise development outcomes because the nature of the intervention itself is an imposition by neoliberal promoters on global south economies. It is also argued that local political elites use microcredit programmes as a tool for advancing patronage. Motivated by this foregoing school of thought, we contend in this paper that informal credit management rules that dominate the administration of these schemes, at the expense of clearly spelt-out formal rules made known in the public domain, also contribute to this mission drift. Thus, our aim was to assess how prevailing microcredit-lending rules contribute to non-achievement of development outcomes. Guided by Douglas North’s conceptualisation of rules of the game as our analytical framework, we employed Q methodology to generate key themes that emerged from primary qualitative data collected through in-depth interviews with purposively recruited microcredit clients of the National Economic Empowerment Fund, a public microcredit scheme in Malawi. Findings revealed that microcredit schemes were dominated by informal rules regarding turnaround time, credit appraisal processes, political interference, and misplaced borrower perceptions about the objectives of microcredit schemes. These rules were misaligned to what was promised to potential microcredit borrowers as reflected in the public microcredit’s credit management procedures. We concluded that unless the apparent pervasion of these substitutive informal rules that distort outcomes is curtailed, public microcredit schemes risk becoming an irrelevant strategy for driving small-scale enterprise development agenda in countries like Malawi.

Developing a Prototype Device for Assessing Meat Quality Using Autofluorescence Imaging and Machine Learning Techniques

Meat quality determination is now more vital than ever, with an ever-increasing demand for meat, especially with a greater desire for high-quality beef. Many existing qualitative methods currently used for meat quality assessment are strenuous, time-consuming, and subjective. The quantitative techniques employed are time-consuming, destructive, and expensive. In the search for a quantitative, rapid, and non-destructive method of determining meat quality, the use of autofluorescence has been employed and has demonstrated its capabilities to characterise meat grades by identifying biochemical features such as the intramuscular fat and tryptophan content through the excitation of meat samples and the collection and analysis of the emission data. Despite its success, the method remains expensive and inaccessible, thus preventing it from being translated into small-scale industry applications. This study will detail the process taken to design and construct a low-cost, miniature prototype device that could successfully distinguish between varying meat grades using autofluorescence imaging and machine learning techniques.

Insecurity and Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development

Many scholars have identified insecurity in Nigeria as one of the major reasons for the country’s continuous under-development. This paper analyzes the effects of insecurity on the socio-economic development of Nigeria, with the main objective of proffering policy solutions to address insecurity challenges that have almost brought the county to her knees and stunted her development. The paper adopted the conflict theory propounded by Karl Marx as the theoretical framework to interrogate the causes of insecurity and the effects on various aspects of the Nigerian socio-economic system. The study employed qualitative research methods to critically assess the relationship between insecurity and Nigeria’s socio-economic development. It is theoretically based, with the use of secondary data, using in-depth explanatory analysis that produces results with understanding, meanings and views. The study identified severe unemployment, endemic poverty, ethno-religious conflicts, corruption, deprivation, inequalities and small arms and light weapons proliferation as the major causes of the unending insecurity challenge in Nigeria. These have led to population displacement, social dislocation, depression and trauma among the people, declining health situation, worsening school attendance, food insecurity and lack of foreign investment. The study recommended that governments at all levels should implement policies that will ensure serious reductions in unemployment rate, poverty and general inequality, by providing infrastructures and the enabling environment that will encourage entrepreneurs and small-scale industries to thrive, revamp the country’s entire security architecture, strengthen border security, tackle the proliferation of firearms, improve the legal system, among many others.

Technology management: innovated water welding machine for entrepreneurship

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness and acceptability of an innovative water welding machine for entrepreneurship during the 2019-2020 academic year, as the basis for technology management. The innovative water welding machine for entrepreneurship for campus maintenance was evaluated on the acceptability of its effectiveness and sustainability, awareness, safety, and health. The quasi-experiment method, particularly survey research, was employed in this study. Questionnaires were given to 10 professors/instructors, 45 Second Year BIT Welding and Fabrication Technology students, 45 Third Year BIT Welding and Fabrication Technology students, and 5 Experts from Small Scale Industries, Pinamungajan, Cebu for evaluation. The study found that the technology management of innovative water welding machines for entrepreneurship on school campuses is highly acceptable for effectiveness, awareness, safety, and health. It is recommended to adopt this innovative technology Water Machine for maintenance and safety of end users. Keywords: Acceptability; awareness; effectiveness; innovation; technology management; water welding machine.

Rapid Embedded Systems Prototyping Redefined: TARS Plug and Play Electronics for Industry, Scientific, and Education

This article marks the inception of the TARS Electronic board series, addressing the challenges inherent in Internet of Things (IoT) and embedded systems development. Traditional approaches often consume significant human-hours in addressing issues like breadboard errors, coding, and soldering during prototype realization. TARS plug-and-play electronic modules emerge as a transformative solution, minimizing time and effort while offering an ideal platform for micro and small-scale enterprises, students, and researchers. Featuring the capability to integrate over fifty sensors and various electronic components, including HDMI, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi, this board transforms into a cluster of IoT systems, streamlining development processes and fostering innovation. Additionally, it serves as an excellent platform for skill development of the electronics engineering workforce, enhancing proficiency and expertise in emerging technologies.

The new Naira notes redesign as drivers of the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

The new Naira notes redesign as drivers of the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria

Risk management practices and financial performance nexus: Evidence from MSMEs in Osun State, Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of enterprise risk management on the firm financial performance of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises in Osun state Nigeria. Precisely, the risk encountered, the adoption of risk management practices, the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) practices, and the financial performance of micro, small and medium scale enterprises in Osun state Nigeria. Primary data was used for this study; a well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit data from 273 respondents. The study population consists of owners and managers of small and medium businesses in Osun state, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and was the inferential statistic used to test the hypotheses. The results showed that market (33.7%), strategic (57%), financial (46.9%), operational (34.2%), management (47.6%), and technological (45.4%) are risks prevalent to micro and small businesses, but most of the respondents disagreed that the relationship of their staff to the customer is poor. Risk acceptance with a mean score of (2.27 ± 1.21) is the most utilized risk management practice adopted by the MSMEs. The implementation of ERM practices shows that MSMEs more utilized setting of objectives (43.6%), risk identification (38.3%), risk assessment (36.2%), and control activities (31.2%) and the financial performance of the businesses was moderate (69.7%). The correlation analysis shows no significant relationship between the scale of business and the adoption of risk management practices. Also, the regression analysis shows that Risk identification (? = 0.388, p ?0.01) and Control activities (? = 1.096, p ?0.01) are the only ERM variables that significantly affect financial performance. The study concluded that the implementation of enterprise risk management practices has a significant effect on the financial performance of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises in Osun State, Nigeria.

Implementation challenges of Enterprise Resource Planning on small scale Industries

Implementation challenges of Enterprise Resource Planning on small scale Industries

Estimation of microplastics distribution in soil sample from District Una, Himachal Pradesh, India

Plastics have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Its production and usage are increasing day by day. Our lives have become dependent on plastic-based products and we are frequently exposed to plastics. The oxidation, fragmentation and leaching stimulate the formation of small size (1 µm–5000 µm) particles termed as microplastics. The current study facilitates the assessment and quantification of MPs in soil sample collected from 5 sites (Amb, Gagret, Mubarikpur, Una city and Tahliwal) in district Una, Himachal Pradesh, India. Soil samples were treated with NaCl for density separation and 30% H2O2 for digestion of organic matter. After sample treatment, obtained supernatant were visualized under stereomicroscope. In the current study, fragments (81.06%) were the dominant MPs type identified, followed by fibers (16.04%) and films (2.89%). Similarly, MPs obtained were of various colours such as purple (59%), greenish purple (5%), yellow (5%), blue (2%), green (1%) and transparent (28%). The highest microplastics concentration was detected in soil sample from Tahliwal due to the disposal from small scale industries and domestic waste while the lowest microplastics concentration was detected in soil sample from Una city. However, further research is needed to identify the polymer type and to check the possible source of microplastic examined.