Training and Technology Transfer on Hi-Tech Banana Cultivation and Value Addition for Nagaland Farmers

20–23 August 2025, Nagaland

ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli, organized a four-day capacity building programme (20–23 August 2025) for farmers, officials, and stakeholders from Wokha District, Nagaland, under the One District – One Product initiative. The programme, sponsored by the ICAR–NRCB CRP on Vaccines and Diagnostics (NEH Component), aimed to strengthen knowledge and skills in hi-tech banana cultivation and banana-based value addition. A total of 19 participants, including officials, FPO members, and progressive farmers, attended.

Inaugurating the programme, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR–NRCB, highlighted banana’s potential as both a fresh fruit and a processed commodity. He urged farmers to adopt scientific practices in cultivation and post-harvest management to improve yields, minimize losses, and create new livelihood opportunities through value addition.

The training combined classroom sessions, field demonstrations, and hands-on exercises. Key topics included:

•Hi-tech banana cultivation practices (drip irrigation, fertigation, bunch management).
•Integrated nutrient management with emphasis on Banana Shakti micronutrient mixture.
•Soil health improvement using the Kaveri Microbial Consortium biofertilizer.
•Integrated pest and disease management, including viral disease diagnostics.
•Awareness on government schemes, subsidies, and credit support.

Special focus was given to banana value addition with practical training on producing low-fat banana chips, banana fig, and pickles from banana flower and stem. Farmers were trained on hygienic processing, packaging, shelf-life extension, and FSSAI compliance.

During the programme an Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ICAR–NRCB and Wokha District Administration for transfer of one technology (Kaveri Microbial Consortium) and three value-added products (fortified chips, dehydrated banana fig, and low-sodium banana pickles).

The initiative is expected to significantly benefit the banana growers of Nagaland by enabling adoption of modern cultivation practices and creating opportunities for small-scale enterprises through value addition. It reflects ICAR–NRCB’s commitment to sustainable banana production and income enhancement for farmers in the North Eastern region.

(Source: ICAR-ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli)