Banana Farming Significant to Kerala’s Agri Sector, Kadannappally Ramachandran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The National Banana Festival (NBF) 2018 conveys the message of the importance and growth of farm culture, said Ramachandran Kadannappally, Minister for Ports, Museums, Archaeology and Archives.
Speaking after inaugurating the Farmers’ Meet held as part of the National Banana Festival 2018, the Minister said banana farming holds an important place in the state. Through the interactive sessions held at NBF 2018, and taking the help of farmers, we can explore the potential of household farming methods in a more effective manner, Ramachandran Kadannappally said.
Drawing attention to the Chief Minister’s Navakerala Mission, Ramachandran Kadannappally said that one of the projects under the mission aims at the betterment of agriculture sector. He went on to say that the government would see to it that the land that are suitable should be made use for cultivation. The Minister wished that NBF 2018 to be a grand success by spreading awareness on the need to take up organic farming.
K S M Lekshmi, GM, Nabard, in her presidential address, made it clear that Nabard strives to bring together the banana farmers, producers, scientists and researchers on a common platform. Stating that banana is the most consumed fruit all over the world, she listed down the medicinal and nutritional value of banana.
Any part of a banana plant can be made useful in one or the other way, K S M Lekshmi said. Stating that the Banana Museum in California showcases around 20000 banana products, she reminded the gathering that the highest number of banana varieties happen to grow in Kerala.
She also talked about various other aspects in banana farming, including availability of water, productivity options and packing facilities. Enlightening the audience about the services that Nabard provides, she also said the organization sets up farmer clubs and provides them with financial and technical support.
Wishing that the NBF 2018 will bring in new ideas to overcome the difficulties faced by the agriculture sector today,  Kummmanam Rajasekharan, President, State BJP, opined that the state is moving away from farm culture. Pointing out that the banana varieties in Kerala are on the decline, he advised that the public should make use of the opportunities that the banana farming sector holds forth.
Balachandran Nair, Sanghamaitri Farmer Producer Company; Pappanamcode Saji, Councillor, Thiruvananthapuram Corporation; Dr.Kamalasanan Pillai, Agro Consultant, CISSA; Muralidharan Thazhakkara; and R Jayalakshmi, President, Kalliyoor Grama Panchayat also spoke at the Farmers’ Meet. G.P. Sreekumar delivered the vote of thanks.
Varied discussions on marketing strategies, use of banana fibre and waste, Mobile marketing for doubling farmers’ income, and machineries for value addition were also held. Farmers from around the country participated in the meet and shared their experiences.
Earlier in the day, Suresh Gopi MP, Organising Committee Chairman, NBF 2018, interacted with school students who arrived in large numbers to visit the exhibition organised as part of the National Banana festival.