The ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), located in Tiruchy, has unveiled a banana variety with a low glycemic index of 51, deemed suitable for consumption by diabetic patients, as announced by the director R. Selvarajan. During the NRCB foundation day and Kisan Mela, Selvarajan highlighted the centre's progress over the last year, including the development of new banana varieties such as Kaveri Kanchan, which boasts a high carotenoid content, and Kaveri Vaman, a compact variant ideal for terrace gardening. Furthermore, the centre has pinpointed a banana type with a low glycemic index, tailored for individuals with diabetes.
In addition to these innovations, the NRCB has also achieved a breakthrough with a Grand Naine mutant resistant to Fusarium wilt TR 4 pathogen and has initiated the commercial production of tissue culture plants for these new varieties. This year, two farmer varieties, Numaran and Manoranjitham, have been registered with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority in New Delhi. The centre has been granted two patents and has licensed technologies to 34 entrepreneurs, showcasing its commitment to research and development in the banana sector.
Source: dtnext.in