ICAR-National Research Center for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchi has transferred the technology to M/s Dohrny Chain Pvt Ltd, a private company based in Dindigul, for production, management and export of banana leaves. Ltd., is engaged in the export of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Banana leaves are traditionally used to wrap and serve food in South India because they are large, flexible and waterproof. They are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic-based food servings in hotels and restaurants. Following the ban on non-degradable plastic materials and the global move towards eco-friendly alternatives, the market demand for leaves was continuously increasing. NRCB director R.K. But the shelf-life of the leaves is limited and the NRCB has come up with a solution to improve the shelf life of banana leaves, Selvarajan said in a press release.
NRCB Principal Scientist and inventor of the technology KN Shiva said that the shelf-life and quality of the leaves can be increased with pre-treatment and storage techniques. Each variety of banana leaf has its own specialty and leaves of Poovan, Karpoorvalli, Nadu and Sakkai varieties are highly suitable for domestic as well as export markets and have very good keeping quality.
NRCB Principal Scientist K. According to Jayabaskaran, leaf production technology requires specific nutrient management systems, the use of which can significantly increase returns. NRCB Principal Scientist P. Suresh Kumar said that banana leaves are a rich source of minerals and bioactive substances. People can use the leaves to get health benefits while farmers can get additional income.
H. Vijay Raj, Managing Director, Dual Chain Pvt. Ltd. said that by using the technology provided by NRCB, the company hopes to reduce transportation losses and maintain the quality of the leaves to meet the requirements of buyers overseas.