NRCB’s technology transfer prolongs shelf life of banana leaves, but West Asia war eats into the export market

Though the technology transfer for the production, handling and export of banana leaves by the ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB) has helped increase the shelf life of the product, the sector has been hit by the ongoing conflict in West Asia this year.

“We have done the technology transfer for three companies in Tamil Nadu and a government initiative in Keralam since 2023, especially for banana leaf export. After harvest, fresh leaves can last at ambient temperature for a maximum of six days. However, for export, they have to be kept in cold storage at a temperature of 10 to 12 degrees Celsius, with a humidity level of 90-95%. The leaves have to be packed in refrigerated containers. At present, banana leaves are predominantly exported to West Asian countries through Kochi,” R. Selvarajan, director, NRCB, told The Hindu.