Mysuru celebrates banana diversity: Two-day Banana Festival begins

MYSURU A vibrant celebration of banana diversity, cultural heritage, conservation and entrepreneurial opportunities began on Saturday at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry, Mysuru, with the inauguration of a two-day Banana Festival. More than 200 rare, indigenous and exotic banana varieties are being showcased, bringing together farmers, banana conservationists, researchers, entrepreneurs and nature enthusiasts from different parts of the country.

The festival is 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. Giridhar Parvatham, director of CSIR–CFTRI, Mysuru, who inaugurated the festival, said, “Festivals showcasing agricultural diversity play an important role in introducing the richness of biodiversity to the public and creating awareness about traditional foods.

CSIR–CFTRI is also working on research and value addition of banana-based products through its incubation centre.” On the occasion, Mr.