Banana institute to introduce new varieties this year

At the 24th foundation day of NRCB, resource persons said, in field tests conducted in about nine States including Tamil Nadu, for 10 years, the breed Saba, a native species of Philippines, was found suitable. Saba has the much-needed parameters such as drought-resistance, needs less water and can grow in saline conditions. 

“Unlike other bananas which are mostly partaken after a meal as a dessert, Saba can be used as a dessert and as a culinary variety. A bunch of Saba weighs at least 30 kg, which means the farmer’s revenue would increase exponentially,” said R Selvarajan, principal scientist with NRCB. 

Similarly, the research centre has identified the variety Namwa Khom (Dwarf Karpuravalli), a native of Thailand which can withstand wind damage and also does not need bunch support (Casuarina and Bamboo sticks). 

“Along with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), we have successfully shipped 10 tonnes of Nendran banana via Kochi port to Middle East countries. By doing so, we have initiated the exports through sea route which could cut down the cost of transport by 10 times when being done through airways,” S Uma, director of NRCB, said.