Nanjangud Rasabale|| Banana|| GI Tag|| UPSC Current Affairs

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Context

The famed Nanjangud rasabale banana variety, which had become scarce because of a fungal disease, has begun to thrive again, due to enthusiastic farmers and the intervention of scientists.

Nanjangud Rasabale

Aspect	Details
*Type*	Fruit – Banana
*Origin*	Grown exclusively in the Nanjangud area of Mysore district, Karnataka, India.
*Geographical Indication (GI) Tag*	GI Tag awarded in 2005 under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
*Unique Characteristics*	The banana has a golden-yellow skin. Known for its distinctive taste, aroma, and texture. The fruit is sweet, soft, and has a rich flavor unique to the region.
*Cultivation Requirements*	Grown in fertile soil with alluvial deposits from the nearby Kabini River. Thrives in the tropical climate of Nanjangud.
*Challenges in Cultivation*	Declining cultivation due to diseases like Panama Wilt and Bacterial Wilt. Reduced area under cultivation due to urbanization and lack of irrigation.

Panama Wilt (Fusarium Wilt)

Aspect	Details
*Causative Agent*	Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Fungal pathogen)
*Disease Type*	Soil-borne fungal disease affecting banana plants
*First Identified*	First observed in the early 20th century in Panama, hence the name Panama Disease
*Symptoms*	Yellowing of leaves, starting from the lower leaves. Wilting of the entire plant. Pseudo-stem splitting and drying.
*Regions Affected*	Found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Bacterial Wilt

Aspect	Details
*Causative Agent*	*Ralstonia solanacearum* (Bacterial pathogen)
*Disease Type*	Soil-borne bacterial disease affecting bananas, tomatoes, and other crops
*Symptoms*	Wilting of leaves, starting with younger ones. Yellowing and browning of leaves, followed by rapid collapse. Discoloration of the vascular tissue in the stem (brown streaks) when cut open.
*Global Impact*	Major disease affecting banana crops, particularly in East Africa and Southeast Asia.

Banana in India

Maharashtra ranks first in production and second in area. Banana contributes 37% to total fruit production in India. Bananas occupy 20% of the total area under crop in India. Most bananas are grown by planting suckers.

Agro-climate

Banana is basically a tropical crop, grows well in temperature range of 13C – 38C with RH regime of 75-85%.

In India this crop is being cultivated in climates ranging from humid tropical to dry mild subtropics through selection of appropriate varieties like Grandnaine.

Soil

Soil for banana should have good drainage, adequate fertility and moisture. Deep, rich loamy soil with pH between 6-7.5 are most preferred for banana cultivation. A soil that is not too acidic & not too alkaline, rich in organic material with high nitrogen content, adequate phosphorus level and plenty of potash are good for bananas.

Varieties

There are 20 cultivars viz. Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Monthan, Poovan, Nendran, Red banana, Nyali, Safed Velchi, Basarai, Ardhapuri, Rasthali, Karpurvalli, Karthali and Grandnaine etc.

Sources:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Consider the following statements in reference to banana cultivation in India:

1. Saline solid, calcareous soil is suitable for Banana cultivation.

2. Banana contributes 20% to total fruit production in India.

Select the incorrect statements using the codes given below:

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Deep, rich loamy soil with pH between 6-7.5 are most preferred for banana cultivation. Ill drained, poorly aerated and nutritionally deficient soils are not suitable for bananas. Saline solid, calcareous soil is not suitable for Banana cultivation. Avoided soil of low lying areas, very sandy & heavy black cotton with ill drainage.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Banana contributes 37% to total fruit production in India. Banana occupy 20% of the total area under crop in India.

NANJANGUD RASABALE