Banana diversity takes centre stage as two-day festival concludes

Visitors at the Banana festival in Mysuru on Sunday.

More than 200 rare, indigenous and exotic banana varieties were the centre of attraction at the two-day Banana Festival that concluded here on Sunday, drawing farmers, researchers, conservationists and visitors.

Organised by Sahaja Samrudha in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Mysuru, ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation Limited (KAPPEC) and Abhay Naturals, the festival provided a platform to showcase banana diversity, traditional varieties and indigenous conservation efforts.

The festival was inaugurated on Saturday by CSIR–CFTRI Director Giridhar Parvatham.

Daya Prasad D.S. of Vanasiri Farm, Sullia taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, who has conserved more than 400 banana varieties, brought around 100 varieties for display.

Ravishankar from Ponnampet in Kodagu showcased several rare varieties for display and sale. Among them was the Finger Banana, noted for its small, slender shape, tender texture and exceptionally sweet taste.

Prasad Rama Hegade from Sirsi, a recipient of the National Plant Genome Saviour Farmer Recognition, showcased several rare varieties, including a distinctive red banana in which different parts of the plant exhibit red pigmentation. He also displayed rare and exotic banana suckers and planting materials for sale.

Traditional varieties such as Nanjangud Rasabale, Nendran, Elakki Bale, Kamalapur Red Banana, Karpuravalli, Poovan, Chandra Bale, Madarangi, Kallu Bale, Nati Bale, Boodu Bale, Sugandhi, Sakkare Bale, Huli Bale and Chukke Bale were among those exhibited.

Unusual varieties such as Zanzibar Giant, 1000 Fingers, Java Blue, Red King, Namaste Bale, Kadu Bale, Sahasra Bale and Multicoloured Banana also attracted visitors.

A drawing competition for children and a banana-based cooking competition were organised on Sunday as part of the festival.