Latest news with #R.Selvarajan
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
NRCB scientists to reach out to farmers to transfer latest technologies in banana cultivation
The National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) in Tiruchi will participate in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a national pre-Kharif season outreach initiative of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The main objective of the campaign, to be conducted between May 29 and June 12, is to bridge the gap between agricultural research and farmer fraternities. It would seek to transfer latest agricultural technologies from research institutions to fields and raise awareness on government schemes, improved farm practices, and sustainable cultivation models. ICAR–NRCB will promote hi-tech banana farming methods such as high-density planting and tissue culture propagation, besides natural farming techniques, balanced fertilizer application, and use of soil health cards. Expert teams from NRCB will visit various parts of Tiruchi, Karur, Ariyalur, and Perambalur districts during the campaign, providing a platform for farmers to interact with scientists, receive technical advice, and get information on schemes such as PM-KISAN and PMFBY. NRCB will design and distribute extension handouts containing relevant banana farming technologies and best practices, according to a NRCB press release. The NRCB campaign will be guided by its director R. Selvarajan and C. Karpagam, Nodal Officer – VKSA, ICAR–NRCB, the release added.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
‘Online store selling banana-based products will be running soon'
The ICAR - National Research Centre for Banana Director R. Selvarajan said that the online store that would sell the banana-based products and other licensed products will be up and running in a month's time. Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Selvarajan said that he had received positive feedback from the people for the stall that was set up by the centre at a recently held food expo in Madurai. At the food expo, different varieties of bananas and banana based products were on display. Some of the value-added products that were displayed at the food expo were banana stem juice and pickles, banana flower thokku, banana health drink mix, banana baby food, low fat chips, kurta, bags, soaps and other banana based products. It was achieved through research and technology, he said. All the banana-based products and the licensed products will be listed on the online site. The portal is getting ready and the different modes of payment will also be listed on the website. The products will be delivered to any part of the world. A team would be monitoring it, he said. Apart from these banana based products, three varieties of bananas from Tamil Nadu that had received geographical indication (GI) tag: Kanniyakumari Matti Banana, Sirumalai Hill Banana and Virupakshi Hill Banana will also be available in the online store, he said, adding that out of the eight varieties of bananas that had received the geographical indication tag, three varieties were from Tamil Nadu and were popular. Mr. Selvarajan said that people would write to the centre inquiring about these products. These products were sold through the centre in Tiruchi. However, with growing popularity among people and demand for the reputed products, the need for the online store had become necessary, he said. Over 500 varieties of bananas have been developed at the centre and over 200 people have taken licence. A field gene bank to conserve genetic resources was established, he said.
The Hindu
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Traditional, innovative foods on display at expo
A three-day food processing and technology expo 'Food Tech 2025' displaying traditional and innovative foods organised by the Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association (MADITSSIA) was inaugurated at Ida Scudder auditorium in Madurai. Speaking at the inauguration, Director of ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchi, R. Selvarajan said that India has significantly progressed from the days of famine. It was now exporting agricultural products and this was achieved through research. Out of the eight varieties of bananas that had received geographical indication (GI) tag, three varieties were from Tamil Nadu: Kanniyakumari Matti Banana, Sirumalai Hill Banana and Virupakshi Hill Banana. Bananas were very popular, he said. He pointed out that the Centre in Tiruchi had introduced several varieties of bananas and also traditional and innovative products. Some of the products included banana stem juice and pickles, banana flower thokku, low fat chips and other value added products which had received good reception from the people, he said. Assistant General Manager (NABARD) A.S. Sakthi Balan said that efforts were being taken to promote new ideas and back them financially. There was a need to invest in new ideas, he said. There were supply chain constraints which needed to be identified and rectified, he added. MADITSSIA president A. Kodeeswaran welcomed the gathering. He said that the main objective of the expo was to help people understand the business and encourage start-ups. Chairperson of the expo A. Anbarasan said that the idea was to introduce the people to technology and improve the business overall. Vice-Chairperson V. Suraj Sundara Shankar said that seminars will be held as part of the expo. Experts will be presenting papers on various topics for the benefit of the people. Secretary V. Senthilkumar proposed a vote of thanks. Buildex 2025, a building material and property exhibition, organised by MADITSSIA was also inaugurated at Ida Scudder auditorium. Products related to construction and architecture and interior design were on display at the expo.
