The banana, one of the three main fruits, has been a crucial part of human diet since ancient times. Botanically known as Musa, it belongs to the family Musaceae and the subfamily Musaceae. The banana’s origin traces back to the Asian continent, and it is now cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.
Often referred to by names like “Adam’s Fig” and “Paradise Apple,” the banana is a staple crop in India. Not only the fruit, but also the leaves, flowers, stem, and raw bananas are highly useful. In India, bananas rank second in terms of the area under fruit cultivation, just behind mangoes, and take the top spot in terms of production.
Bananas are a rich source of energy, primarily in the form of sugars and starches. It’s a sweet fruit enjoyed by people of all ages and serves as an excellent natural laxative. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, vitamins, riboflavin, niacin, ascorbic acid, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
Globally, bananas are a vital food for millions. With a calorific value ranging from 67-137 per 100 grams, bananas are an easily digestible source of carbohydrates. Additionally, they contain no fat, cholesterol, or sodium.
In India, bananas account for 37% of total fruit production and occupy 20% of the total cultivated area. Specifically, bananas are grown on approximately 880,000 hectares in India, with a total production of about 32.454 million tons.
In Tamil Nadu, bananas are predominantly grown in districts like Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore, and Kanyakumari. With the increase in production, productivity, marketing, and revenue, fruit cultivation, particularly bananas, has been on the rise. Bananas are the most widely consumed fruit in Tamil Nadu.
Among the various types of bananas, Ney Poovan is particularly special. It thrives in fertile soil with good drainage and deep clay loam, yielding a high harvest.
Ney Poovan (AB) is a small banana, also known by synonyms such as Rasakadali, Elakki, Senorita, and Nallipoovan. It is a superior diploid variety and is commercially cultivated in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Initially grown as a backyard crop in Kerala, Ney Poovan is now being cultivated on a larger scale.
A Ney Poovan bunch yields fruits weighing 15-30 kilograms, 12-14 months after planting. The deep green fruits turn a golden yellow when ripe, with a distinct fragrance and flavor. Due to its excellent eating quality and shelf life, Ney Poovan has a high export potential. With proper care, Ney Poovan bananas fetch a higher price in the market compared to other varieties.
Dr. R. Jayavalli, Assistant Professor, Department of Pomology, Women’s Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli – 620 027.
