KADAPA: The government is likely to sanction a research centre for banana cultivation in Kadapa district, the first of its kind in the state.
It would be constructed in 50 acres at Pulivendula, known for cultivating a good variety of bananas.
The proposed research centre will be situated on the premises of the Andhra Pradesh Centre for Advanced Research on Livestock (APCARL), spread in 628 acres.
Banana orchards are spread in 10,000 acres in Pulivendula constituency. Banana farming is done through tissue culture in this constituency and the fruits are exported to Arab countries.
Kadapa is known for banana plantations. They are widely grown in Rajampeta, Railway Kodur areas too. Banana plantations are being raised in 25,000 acres in the district.
Usually, bananas can be stored for 6-7 days only but those grown in Pulivendula area, have a shelf life between 12-14 days, which makes them most preferred for exporting to other countries.
In view of these advantages in banana farming, the government has decided to encourage banana farmers in the district.
It is the first research centre that would specially focus on research in banana cultivation in the state.
The research centre will extend advice to the farmers to create new varieties and also help them in marketing.
Recently, Ira Farms, an exporting firm, sent bananas from Pulivendula to Arab countries.
According to Kadapa collector Harikiran’s orders, Pulivendula mandal revenue officer Abul Munaff visited the site on Friday afternoon.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would make an announcement regarding the research centre during his public meeting in Jammalamadugu on July 8.
The horticulture officers are preparing report on the cultivation of banana orchards in the district to present it to the Chief Minister during his visit to Jammalamadugu.
