The ICAR NRCB exhibited around 100 varieties of bananas, including those with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, wild types, land races, commercial cultivars, and released varieties, in New Delhi on the occasion of the 96th Foundation and Technology Day of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on 15-16th July, 2024. The display of banana bunches with various colors, sizes, and shapes, along with male buds, was the major highlight of the Banana Diversity Show. The show attracted numerous visitors and reached many enthusiasts through social media, with extensive coverage in print and electronic media.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare & Rural Development and President of the ICAR Society, visited the diversity show. Various dignitaries, including Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj; Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minority Affairs; Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR); Shri Sanjay Garg, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR); and Ms. Alka Nangia Arora, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Financial Advisor (ICAR), along with all the Directors of ICAR Institutes and senior officials, also visited the Banana Diversity Show.Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR-NRCB, presented a portrait to the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare made by Mrs. Suganthi, an entrepreneur.

Dr. R. Selvarajan, highlighted the cultural, socio-economic, and geographical importance of bananas. He emphasized how bananas plays a vital role in the diet and economy of many regions, contributing to food security and providing livelihood opportunities for millions of people. Bananas are not only a staple food but also hold significant cultural value in various traditions and ceremonies across different communities. Dr.Selvarajan also explained the critical role of ICAR-NRCB in preserving the genetic diversity of bananas. He detailed how the centre has successfully conserved 520 germplasms of bananas, ensuring the protection of various banana varieties, including those that are rare and endangered.

ICAR-NRCB showcased around 100 distinct banana varieties with unique traits such as high carotenoids, minerals, iron, resistant starch, medicinal properties, and distinct flavors.Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged bananas such as Matti, Sirumalai, Virupakshi, NanjangudRasabale, Kamalapur Red, Changalikodan, Jalgaon Banana, and Myndoli (Moira) were prominently displayed, showcasing the rich diversity and unique characteristics of these esteemed varieties. These GI tags signify the specific geographical origin of the bananas, highlighting their distinct qualities and cultural significance associated with their regions of cultivation.ICAR-NRCB also showcased various handicrafts and textiles made from banana fiber. The display emphasized the potential of banana fiber as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials, promoting environmental conservation and offering new income-generating opportunities for artisans and rural communities.