High and quality yield in ‘nendran’ variety of banana has come as a blessing for farmers in the district, who have been vying with one another in ensuring assured market to Kerala.
Timely and adequate rain, free from gale and absence of pest attack had all gone in favour of the ‘nendran’ banana this season, according to farmers. The price per bunch has shot up by at least 10 per cent this month over the last month’s returns, say the farmers. The district has about 1,000 acres of area under ‘nendran’ with a harvest of 1,000 bunches an acre.
“The price has been fluctuating from time to time depending upon the demand in Kerala where the fruit is readily converted into value-added products in the form of chips and powder,” say the farmers.
Horticulture Department sources say the crop is being raised on well-drained area with fertile soil and Manikandam block had a majority of area under cultivation.
Although other varieties are being raised in Musiri, Thottiyam and Lalgudi blocks, it is Manigandam block where the fields are blessed with adequate drainage. The duration of the variety is about one year. Although ‘poovan’ and other banana varieties could be raised as a ratoon crop, ‘nendran’ could not be raised on this pattern.