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2. Banana is a fast growing and high biomass-yielding plant. India is the largest producer of banana next to mango. The major banana producing states are Each individual fruit (known as a banana or 'finger') has a protective outer layer (a peel or skin) with a fleshy, edible inner portion. Both skin and inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Introduction Next Previous End

3. FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY Banana pseudostem products Tender banana stem is generally used as a vegetable and has high medicinal values. Sweet candy is prepared from tender banana pseudostem. Sweet candy Next Previous End

4. Ingredients needed Banana (tender) stem slices- 500g, Sugar- 1500g, Citric acid- 3g Potassium meta bi sulphite- 0.5g. Method 1) Tender fresh banana stem is sliced (4mm thick) and soaked in 0.25 per cent citric acid solution to prevent browning (1:2 ratio). 2) The slices are softened by pressure cooking for 20 minutes and again soaked in solution containing 0.25 per cent citric acid and 1.0 per cent calcium chloride for 30 minutes for firming (1:2 ratio). Contd… Next Previous End

5. 3. The softened banana stem slices are allowed to soak overnight in the sugar syrup. 4. The slices are removed from the syrup on the second day another 75 per cent of sugar is added to the syrup and boiled. 5. The partially soaked banana stem slices are again added into the syrup (cooled) and kept for overnight for the penetration of sugar into the slices. 6. The procedure is repeated for 3-4 days. Contd… Next Previous End

6. 7. During the fourth day citric acid is added while boiling the sugar syrup and cooled. 8. Potassium meta bi sulphite is added to the syrup and mixed before adding the slices. 9. The banana stem slices are allowed to soak for 7 days in the sugar syrup for the maximum sugar penetration into them. 10. The slices are removed from the syrup washed with warm water to remove the surface sugar syrup coating and dried at room temperature. 11. Powdered sugar is sprinkled on the partially dried slices to remove surface moisture (maximum). Contd… Next Previous End

7. Paper industry: In this modern age, the consumption of paper and boards has increased tremendously. Conventionally, paper is manufactured from cellulosic materials like bamboo, hardwood, cotton rags, etc. Agricultural residues of non-woody nature like cotton stalks, wheat straw, rice straw, sorghum stalks, hemp, jute, etc., are possible raw materials which could be used for paper and board making However, all these require to be digested at high temperature and pressure, employing energy consumptive and costly processes. Thus the search for other raw materials and cost effective processes continues. Next Previous End

8. Banana Fiber is extracted from Banana tree bark. The trunk is peeled. Brown-green skin is thrown away retaining the cleaner or white portion which will be processed into knotted fibers. The fibers are extracted through hand extraction machine composed of either serrated or non serrated knives The peel is clamped between the wood plank and knife and hand-pulled through, removing the resinous material The extracted fibers are sun-dried which whitens the fiber. Banana fiber extraction Next Previous End

9. Manual extraction of Banana fibre Coarse banana fibre & livelihood Next Previous End

10. This fiber is then used for making various products in attractive designs of various sizes. Coasters Table Mats Bags Runners Floor Mats Home Furnishings NextEnd Previous

11. Products made by banana fibre Next Previous End

12. Agro waste utilization Banana peels and beet waste are readily available agricultural waste, yet they seem to be under utilized as potential growth medium for local yeast strain, despite their rich carbohydrate content and other basic nutrients that can support yeast growth. The indigenous yeast with good fermentation attributes, which may enhance ethanol yield and minimize cost of production, could be obtained from ripe banana peels. Next Previous End

13. Animal feed Large quantities of reject bananas are often available for animal feed, especially in banana exporting countries. Both cattle and pigs relish ripe bananas, but as an animal feed, bananas are mainly used for feeding pigs. Next Previous End

14. Because they contain vitamin A, bananas and plantains act as an aid to digestion, and it is reported that boiled, mashed ripe fruit can be good for constipation, especially when mixed with other recommended plants. The juice from the male bud provides an apparent remedy for stomach problems in people of all ages, while there are reports of the ripe fruit being used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis. Medicinal Next Previous End

15. The pounded peels of ripe bananas can be used to make a poultice for wounds and, as the inside of the peel has anti-septic properties it can be wrapped directly around wounds or cuts in an emergency. In Nigeria, a weaning food based on plantain and soybean has been developed which is nutritious for babies and can be used as a therapeutic diet for the treatment of malnutrition and kwashiorkor, which results from protein deficiency. Next Previous End

16. The large leaves of bananas and plantains are put to a diversity of uses. They make ideal green umbrellas and are frequently used as disposable plates. The use of banana leaves as a “biological plate” for serving food has gained such popularity in Southern India Use of Banana leaves Next Previous End

17. There is a good market demand of all banana products. There is an ample of new local market growing in India. Most of the banana product manufacturers are in the small scale sector. The government of India has set up a separate full-fledged ministry named “Ministry of Food Processing Industries “for the development and promotion of food processing industries. Tender banana stem is generally used as a vegetable and has high medicinal values. Sweet candy is prepared from tender banana pseudostem. This fiber is then used for making various products in attractive designs of various sizes. Coasters, Table Mats, Bags, Runners, Floor Mats and Home Furnishings. Large quantities of rejected bananas are often available for animal feed, especially in banana exporting countries. Let Us Sum Up Previous End