“Farmers and farmer groups need to focus on value addition and packaging of bananas in a way that extends their shelf life by at least a week to achieve higher profits. The Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC) is providing the required technology and financial assistance for packaging, sorting and marketing. Farmers should take full advantage of these opportunities,” said CEO CN Shivaprakash, KAPPEC.
Inaugurating the two-day banana festival in Mysuru on Saturday, Mr Shivaprakash said there was huge demand for bananas in other states. Farmers should organize themselves to sell bananas directly in such markets, he said, adding that KAPPEC is ready to provide financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh to farmers to start any agricultural business.
Organized jointly by Sahaja Samrudha, Keystone Foundation and Using Diversity in collaboration with Abhay Natural Foods and Kisan Bandi, the Banana Festival was inaugurated at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry here to promote the diversity of indigenous banana varieties and showcase their role in agriculture and food traditions.
Neurologist Sushrutha Gowda, while releasing a leaflet on the variety of bananas, said, “Bananas have several health benefits. Regular consumption of bananas, rich in fiber, improves digestion and relieves constipation. Due to its high potassium content, bananas help control blood pressure and prevent heart diseases. Bananas play a vital role in physical growth. There is a need for research and promotion of various medicinal varieties.”
Gnanesh BN of ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra said, “Efforts are on to revive the famous Nanjangud Rasabale variety of Mysuru region. Soon consumers will be able to get Rasabale regularly.”
Banana conservator Ravishankar BP from Hudur in Kodagu said, “I conserve about 40 varieties of bananas from the Kodagu region, including Finger Banana and Madarangi. Market access is essential for such rare varieties and this event opens up new opportunities.”
Sumathi, CEO, Organic Kisan Bandi said, “Kisan Bandi delivers naturally grown bananas, vegetables and fruits directly to customers’ doorsteps. People of Mysuru should take advantage of this initiative.”
In his welcome address, G. Krishna Prasad, Director, Sahaja Samrudha, said, “India is the birthplace of bananas, home to hundreds of varieties. With the advent of modern hybrids, the original banana varieties have been sidelined. This fair is being held to revive and popularize them.”
The two-day festival sees over a hundred varieties of bananas including Madarangi, Chandra Bale, Sahasra Bale, Matti Bale, Blue Java, Pooja Bale, Kamala Red Banana, Changadali, Kari Bale, Rasabale, Chiralu Bale and Chingam attracting the attention of visitors.
Varieties and shoots of Nanjangud Rasabale, Elakki, Nendra, Pachchabale, Poovan and other rare varieties are available for sale. Prasad Ram Hegde of Sirsi exhibited more than 30 varieties, including the Namaste banana and the impressive 8-feet long Sahasra banana, which impressed the crowd.
Visitors enjoy a variety of banana dishes like banana bajji, sekarane, jamoon, french fries, banana masala dosa, banana buns, banana vada, banana rasayana and banana rotti dishes.
Published – 8 Nov 2025 19:37 IST
