“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.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait — are a major market for banana leaves, given the large Indian expatriate population there. However, the ongoing war in West Asia has affected exporters across the board, with the fresh produce sector suffering widespread spoilage due to port closures and transport delays.
The banana varieties ‘Poovan’ and ‘Mupattai’ are among the most suitable for leaf cultivation.
“We export between 20,000 and 30,000 banana leaves per week to the Gulf countries, where they are used mainly to serve or wrap food. Our leaves are sourced from farms in Sathyamangalam and nearby villages. Due to the delay in shipping caused by the war, we have reduced the size of our consignments this year,” said H. Vijay Raj, managing director, Dhornii Chain Pvt. Ltd., based in Dindigul. The company was among those that undertook the NRCB technology transfer programme in 2023.
Local demand for banana leaves remains high, especially during the wedding season, Mr. Selvarajan said.
“A significant amount of banana leaves used for serving food in the domestic market is sourced from farms in Thirukaattupalli, Kulithalai, Kallanai and Tiruvaiyaru. But their price shoots up in the windy season, when there is a shortage of usable leaves,” he said.