1. Success story of rejuvenating near extinct
fragrant banana landrace through inter- institutional
and public- private partnership
S.Uma
National Research Centre for Banana
Tiruchirapalli –
Tamil Nadu, INDIA

2. Introduction
Kolli Hills in Tamil Nadu is the home for fragrant banana landrace cv. Manoranjitham (AAA).
Protected by the ‘Malyali Tribes’ for religious preference and economic security.
Screening at ICAR-NRCB for Eumusae leaf spot (Mycosphaerella eumusae M.).
Survey - near extinct status of this unique landrace –Fusarium wilt, Bunchy top and borers.
Project proposed to rejuvenate this unique landrace was supported by DBT, New Delhi.

3. Strategies adopted for rejuvenation
- Adoption of twelve villages.
- Development of a robust tissue culture protocol for mass multiplication.
- Production and supply of about 13,500 plants to about 550 beneficiaries across 12 adopted villages.

4. Supply of quality planting material
ie TC plants
Imparting knowledge to the tribes on banana cultivation through conduct of regular training programmes.
Technical back stopping

5. Establishing demonstration block for the benefit of the local tribes.

6. Identification of a superior mutant of cv
Identification of a superior mutant of cv. Manoranjitham, with a potential to yield 51 kg bunch as against normal 15 kg bunch (3 times higher yield). Bunch price – Rs. 300/- to 1200/-

7. Cryoconservation for use in perpetuity of cv
Cryoconservation for use in perpetuity of cv. Manoranjitham by NBPGR, New Delhi
NRCB has developed TC plants of this mutant and distributed to the beneficiaries and field established.

8. Outcome of the project
Before the implementation of the project, the unique landraces were found only in the sacred groove of Kongaiye Amman temple.
But now it is available in the backyards of all beneficiaries in the adopted villages.
Demonstration block - encouraged the beneficiaries to multiply the suckers by adopting the low cost farmer friendly techniques.
This project ensured improved
economic security and livelihood
security of the local tribes.
Awaiting
Marketing
Branding
GI status

9. Success of the project
Inter institutional collaboration – NRCB , NBPGR, DBT and MSSRF
Public private partnership.

10. Thank You