NCRB developing iron-rich GM banana

TIRUCHY: The director-general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) S. Ayyappan said that there is an increase in the area under horticultural crops.

Participating in the 22nd foundation day celebrations of the National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB) and the ‘Kisan Mela’ at Podhavur near here on Friday, he appreciated the NRCB for its series of programmes on value addition in banana research and extension services.

Honouring banana growers with certificates and awards in recognition of their achievements in banana cultivation during the last season, Ayyappan pointed out that research and other developmental measures on the banana crop by NRCB had evoked tremendous response and encouragement among banana cultivators across the country.

In his address, B. Padmanaban, director (in-charge) of NRCB said that the NRCB has taken up research on developing a genetically modified banana variety, rich in iron content. This commenced a year ago, jointly with Queensland university, Australia, Department of Biotechnology, and the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research in Bengaluru, he added.

Others who spoke on the occasion included, K. Alagu Sundaram, deputy director-general (Agricultural Engineering), ICAR, and A.P. Karuppiah, state president of the Tamil Nadu Banana Growers Federation.