Mysuru assigned banana under Centre’s ‘one district-one crop’ scheme

MYSURU: The tropical banana is the crop that has been assigned to Mysuru under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Processing Enterprises’ ‘one district-one crop’ initiative launched by the Union ministry of food processing industries.
The agriculture department in Mysuru is collaborating with CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) to help farmers in the district take to cultivation of banana under the initiative.Farmers across Mysuru will be trained in value-addition exercises by experts at CFTRI. Selected farmers and members of self-help groups will be trained under the initiative from January 11.
Joint director of the agriculture department, Mysuru Mahanteshappa said that the ‘one district-one crop’ scheme was part of the overarching ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan’. “A crop cultivated extensively across Mysuru is selected as the district crop. Under the initiative, those engaged in cultivation of banana will be supported through value addition,” Mahanteshappa said.
Mahanteshappa, joint director, agriculture department informed that this scheme has been launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. “From January 11, we will launch training for the enthusiasts in collaboration with the CFTRI,” he said.
Banana stem juice, banana fruit bar, banana juice, fruit powder and chips will among the dishes that will be produced under the initiative. “Beneficiaries selected under the scheme will be extended loans, subsidies and assistance in branding and marketing exercises. The primary idea behind the scheme is to help farmers grow prosperous and generate jobs,” Mahanteshappa added.
Interestingly, neighbouring Chamarajanagar district has been assigned turmeric, coffee to Kodagu, sugarcane to Mandya, pineapple to Shivamogga and coconut to Hassan district.
Those with an entrepreneurial spirit can seek assistance under the initiative and realise their dream of setting up industrial units.