Virupakshi Hill Banana is a type of banana grown in the Virupakshi region in the Palani Hills of Western Ghats in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1] It was declared as a Geographical indication in 2008–09.[2]
| Virupakshi Hill Banana | |
|---|---|
| Geographical indication | |
| Description | Bananas from Virupakshi region |
| Type | Agricultural |
| Area | Virupakshi, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 2008–09 |
Description
editThe banana is cultivated at higher altitudes along the Palani Hills in the Western Ghats. It is often grown as a rain-fed crop grown during the South-west monsoon season. In the 1990s, cultivation areas were reduced by more than 90% as the crop was severely affected by Banana bunchy top virus. With various steps taken to alleviate the same, cultivation has expanded in the past decade.[3][4]
Each tree bears a bunch of 70-100 fruits, which are first harvested after 18 months. The fruits are yellowish-green in color and is known for its unique smell and sweetness. The ripe fruits are firm with a thicker peel. The fruit is one of the five ingredients used in the Palani Panchamirtham, a unique panchamrita, made at the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani.[4][3]
References
edit- ^ "Application details". Government of India. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ Geographical indications in India (Report). Government of India. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Farmer's Journal: Meet the Fragrant Virupakshi Hill Banana, Endemic to the Palani Hills". Kodai Chronicle. 18 December 2021. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
- ^ a b "Virupakshi bananas and Pazhani panchamrutham". Patcheri. 29 August 2022. Archived from the original on 29 August 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2023.