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“Farmers and farmer groups must focus on value addition and packaging of bananas in a way that extends their shelf life for at least a week to earn higher profits. The Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC) is providing the required technology and financial assistance for packaging, grading, and marketing. Farmers should make good use of these opportunities,” said C.N. Shivaprakash, Managing Director, KAPPEC. Inaugurating a two-day Banana Festival in Mysuru on Saturday, Mr. Shivaprakash said that there is a huge demand for bananas in other States. Farmers should organise themselves to sell bananas directly in such markets, he stated, while adding that KAPPEC is ready to provide financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh to farmers to start any agri-based enterprise. The Banana Festival, jointly organised by Sahaja Samrudha, Keystone Foundation, and Using Diversity in collaboration with Abhay Natural Foods and Kisan Bandi, was inaugurated at the Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry here to promote the diversity of indigenous banana varieties and showcase their role in agriculture and food traditions. Releasing a leaflet on banana diversity, neurologist Sushrutha Gowda said, “Bananas have several health-promoting properties. Rich in fibre, regular consumption of bananas improves digestion and relieves constipation. Being high in potassium, bananas help control blood pressure and prevent heart-related diseases. Bananas play a vital role in physical growth. There is a need for research and promotion of the medicinal value of diverse banana varieties.” Gnanesh B.N. from ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra said, “Efforts are under way to revive the famous Nanjangud Rasabale variety from Mysuru region. Soon, consumers will be able to get Rasabale regularly.” Banana conservator Ravishankar B.P. from Hudur, Kodagu, said, “I have been conserving about 40 banana varieties from the Kodagu region, including Finger Banana and Madarangi. Market access is essential for such rare varieties, and this event opens up new possibilities.” Sumathi, CEO of Organic Kisan Bandi, said, “Kisan Bandi delivers naturally grown bananas, vegetables, and fruits directly to customers’ doorsteps. Mysuru residents should take advantage of this initiative.” In his welcome address, G. Krishna Prasad, Director of Sahaja Samrudha, said, “India is the birthplace of bananas, home to hundreds of varieties. With the arrival of modern hybrids, native banana varieties are being sidelined. This fair is being held to revive and popularise them.” Over a hundred banana varieties are on display at the two-day festival, including Madarangi, Chandra Bale, Sahasra Bale, Matti Bale, Blue Java, Pooja Bale, Kamala Red Banana, Changadali, Kari Bale, Rasabale, Chiralu Bale, and Chingam, drawing the attention of visitors. Suckers and saplings of Nanjangud Rasabale, Elakki, Nendra, Pachchabale, Poovan, and other rare varieties are available for sale. Prasad Ram Hegde from Sirsi has exhibited more than 30 varieties, including the Namaste Banana and the impressive 8-foot-long Sahasra Banana, which impressed the crowd. Visitors are enjoying a range of banana-based dishes such as banana bajji, sekarane, jamoon, fries, banana masala dosa, banana buns, banana vada, banana rasayana, and banana rotti meals.
