Mysuru's Iconic GI Crops Face Extinction Threat
Two celebrated Geographical Indication crops from Mysuru district stand at a critical juncture. The famous Nanjangud Rasabale banana and the traditional Mysuru veelyadele betel leaves confront possible extinction. Multiple factors threaten their survival, with marketing challenges posing the most significant hurdle.
Export Initiative Brings New Hope
Farmers now receive a major boost. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the horticulture department have initiated a crucial intervention. Their collaborative effort has started the countdown for exporting these two GI products to international markets.
This development promises to help growers secure premium prices for their produce. It represents a vital lifeline for crops that have struggled with declining farmer interest and market access problems.
Farmer Challenges and Renewed Interest
BN Gnanesh, senior scientist and head of genetics and plant breeding at ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Suttur, explains the situation clearly. Farmers gradually lost enthusiasm for cultivating Nanjangud Rasabale. Disease incidence and marketing constraints made cultivation increasingly difficult.
"Now, with APEDA Bengaluru and the horticulture department collaborating, Rasabale export will begin soon," Gnanesh states. "Many farmers have come forward to participate in this initiative."
He emphasizes two critical aspects for successful export: quality maintenance and proper packaging. Addressing these factors will enable growers to obtain better prices. Premium pricing should then encourage expanded cultivation of these traditional crops.
Training and Market Creation Efforts
Authorities recently organized a one-day workshop to support farmers. The event focused on scientific cultivation practices, marketing facilities, and export opportunities for traditional GI crops. APEDA Bengaluru and the horticulture department jointly conducted this training program.
U Dharmarao, APEDA regional assistant managing director, outlines their primary objective. APEDA aims to create international markets for agricultural products from traditional crops with geographical indication. He assures farmers that APEDA will provide necessary guidance to help market their significant traditional produce.
Current Cultivation Status
Recent legislative discussions reveal concerning cultivation statistics. During the Belagavi session, horticulture minister SS Mallikarjun responded to questions from local MLA Darshan Dhruvanarayan. The minister disclosed that between 2020 and 2022-23, Nanjangud Rasabale cultivation covered only 35 hectares in Nanjangud taluk.
Despite limited cultivation area, training efforts continue. Over the last two years, authorities trained 340 farmers in cultivating this special banana variety. This training combined with the new export initiative could reverse the declining trend.
The export push represents more than just market access. It offers preservation of agricultural heritage, economic opportunity for farmers, and global recognition for Mysuru's unique agricultural products.
