<p>Lignocellulosic fibers, derived from various parts of plants such as bast, leaf, and seed, are increasingly valued for their sustainability, biodegradability, and versatility in applications ranging from textiles to biomaterials and composites. Processing techniques utilized for fiber extraction play a crucial role in determining their overall properties, and hence the performance of fiber-derived products. Among various degumming techniques, traditional retting approaches, such as water and dew retting, are cost-effective but suffer from drawbacks, including weather sensitivity and inconsistencies in fiber quality. Recent advances in enzymatic retting, which utilizes pectinase enzymes, offer precise tailoring of fiber properties, making it a promising alternative method. Mechanical retting ensures rapid fiber extraction. The alkali treatment can effectively deliver the yield of high cellulose content fibers, but poses the risk of degrading their physical properties. Emerging advanced techniques, such as microwave heating and steam explosion, provide efficient, chemicals-free processing, delivering high-quality fibers with minimal structural damage. The present review emphasizes the importance of optimizing fiber processing techniques to improve extraction efficiency and fiber quality as per practical requirements.</p> Graphical abstract