Efforts are on to promote and popularise different varieties of bananas from Tamil Nadu as well as to foster creation of supply chain and cold storage facilities for the crop in the state.
Tamil Nadu is taking steps to steamline the organised cultivation and exports, thereby enabling creation of a strong brand equity for bananas grown in the state as ?Tamil Nadu Bananas?.
Under fruit crops in Tamil Nadu, banana occupies 39% of area and 79% of production. Tamil Nadu ranks first and is the largest banana producing state in India and accounts for 28% of total banana produced in the country.
As part of ‘Taml Nadu Bananas’ branding, the Confederation of Indian Industry, Tamil Nadu, is organising the first edition of CII-Tamil Nadu Banana Festival 2012 ? a unique exhibition cum conference on December 21 and 22.
The event is supported by the Tamil Nadu government and institutes such as the National Research Centre for Banana, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Banana Growers Associations.
As part of the festival, CII will organise a two- day exhibition ? an educative, interactive platform showcasing banana related equipments and innovative technologies including cold chain besides display of variety of banana fruits.
The day conference will focus on banana trade, latest technologies, innovative package of practices related to the crop besides intensive debates on problems hampering the sector.
A feasibility report for developing an integrated cold chain for the crop will also be released.