1. Introduction / Meaning

Trichy, Aug 21: The National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) has introduced two new banana varieties, Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan, according to its director, Dr. R. Selvarajan.

2. Key Concepts

• The 33rd Foundation Day of the NRCB, located in Sanamangalam, Trichy district, and Farmers' Day celebrations were held on Friday.
• On this occasion, more than 150 varieties of bananas were displayed in an exhibition.
• Special stalls were set up for value-added banana products, fertilizers, tissue culture saplings, and technological equipment.
• The exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. K. Balakrishnan, Director of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Ansarcode, Kerala.

3. Features of the Agreement / Event

• Two new varieties, Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan, were introduced.
• Kaveri Thangam is rich in Pro-Vitamin 'A'. 100 grams of its pulp contains 1000 micrograms of Pro-Vitamin 'A'.
• This is notably 10 times higher than conventional varieties.
• Consuming 5 bananas of Kaveri Thangam can fulfill an individual's recommended daily intake of Pro-Vitamin 'A'.
• Kaveri Nadan is a green Nadan variety. It is suitable for household use and yields twice as much as conventional varieties.
• It can yield up to 75,000 tons per hectare.

4. Why is it Needed?

• Introducing new varieties can help increase farmers' income.
• Developing nutrient-rich banana varieties contributes to public health.
• New varieties are essential to meet food security and nutritional needs.

5. Impact

• Across the country, 112 farmers have cultivated these new varieties.
• He stated that the new varieties would be released nationwide by the State Crop Release Committee in December and by the Central Crop Release Committee in April 2027.
• In Tamil Nadu alone, 35 farmers have cultivated these new varieties.
• Awards were presented to successful banana growers, entrepreneurs, food producers' groups, agricultural communities, and agricultural science centers.

6. Drawbacks / Challenges

• Awareness and training are needed to popularize new varieties.
• Marketing and export challenges.
• Resistance to disease outbreaks.

7. Current Relevance

• New varieties are crucial for addressing food security and malnutrition.
• It enhances farmers' income.
• Highlights the importance of agricultural research and development.

8. Exam Notes

• Where is the National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) located? - Sanamangalam, Trichy.
• Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan are new varieties of what? - Banana.
• What is the main feature of Kaveri Thangam? - High Pro-Vitamin 'A' content.
• What is the main feature of Kaveri Nadan? - High yield, suitable for household use.

9. Summary

The National Research Centre for Banana in Trichy has introduced two new banana varieties, Kaveri Thangam and Kaveri Nadan. Kaveri Thangam is rich in Pro-Vitamin 'A', while Kaveri Nadan is a high-yielding green Nadan variety. These new varieties are expected to boost farmers' income and combat malnutrition. Currently, 112 farmers across the country have cultivated these new varieties.