Ranchi: Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) is all set to install a biodegradable polybag manufacturing machine at Naga Baba Khatal to offer an alternative to banned plastic carry bags and reduce plastic pollution in the city.Officials said the machine will produce bags made of maize starch, a material that decays into the soil within six months and is also soluble in water. The unit is expected to manufacture 70 to 80 kg of bags per day.It will be the first time a govt agency is manufacturing such bags in Ranchi and, possibly, in Jharkhand.RMC administrator Sushant Gaurav said, “The plant is being established to reduce plastic waste and, at the same time, is also aimed at women empowerment.”The bags will be sold in RMC markets, including Naga Baba Khatal, Atal Smriti Vendor Market near Gopala Complex on Main Road, Lalpur market near Distillery Pool, and Morabadi Vending Zone 2. Initially, the biodegradable bags will be provided at these vegetable markets at Rs 120 to Rs 140 per kg.At present, such bags come from Kolkata in West Bengal and are sold in Ranchi at Rs 160 to Rs 180 per kg, officials said. They added that the new unit is expected to make the biodegradable bags cheaper and more accessible for vendors and shoppers after the single-use plastic ban.The machine will be installed at Naga Baba Khatal and managed by a women self-help group area-level federation. Ten SHGs, comprising about 100 women, will be involved in handling raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, and marketing. Officials said the benefit will go to the SHGs, and production will be carried out from morning to evening.The machine will come from Gujarat, and work is expected to begin by the end of this month. Local SHG members will operate and manage the plant, from handling raw materials to marketing.