West Asia Conflict Casts Shadow on Banana Leaf Exports, Despite Tech Advancements

The ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR-NRCB) has successfully transferred technology to extend the shelf life of banana leaves, but the ongoing conflict in West Asia has severely impacted the export market this year.

Since 2023, the NRCB has transferred the technology to three companies in Tamil Nadu and a government initiative in Kerala, primarily aimed at banana leaf export. According to R. Selvarajan, director of NRCB, fresh leaves can last at ambient temperature for a maximum of six days after harvest. However, for export, they must be kept in cold storage at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius with 90-95% humidity and packed in refrigerated containers.

At present, banana leaves are predominantly exported to West Asian countries through Kochi. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait — are a major market due to their large Indian expatriate population. 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.

Banana varieties such as 'Poovan' and 'Mupattai' are considered most suitable for leaf cultivation. H. Vijay Raj, managing director of Dindigul-based Dhornii Chain Pvt. Ltd., which undertook the NRCB technology transfer programme in 2023, said, "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."

Local demand for banana leaves remains high, especially during the wedding season. Mr. Selvarajan noted that a significant amount of banana leaves used for serving food in the domestic market is sourced from farms in Thirukaattupalli, Kulithalai, Kallanai and Tiruvaiyaru. However, prices shoot up during the windy season when there is a shortage of usable leaves.

The technology transfer by NRCB includes training on production, handling, and export procedures. It aims to help farmers and exporters maintain quality and reduce post-harvest losses. Despite the technological advancements, the geopolitical situation in West Asia continues to pose challenges for the export sector.

Banana leaves are an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture, used as plates for serving meals and for wrapping food. The export market for fresh banana leaves has grown in recent years, particularly to the Gulf countries, where they are in high demand for traditional feasts and restaurants.

The NRCB's technology transfer programme involves training on proper harvesting, grading, packing, and cold chain management. This has helped extend the shelf life of the leaves, making them suitable for long-distance transport. However, the benefits are being undermined by the conflict, which has disrupted shipping routes and caused delays at ports.

According to exporters, the war has led to increased freight costs and uncertainty in shipment schedules. Some consignments have been delayed by weeks, resulting in spoilage and financial losses. The reduced consignment sizes are a direct response to these challenges.

Exporters are hopeful that the conflict will resolve soon, allowing them to resume normal operations. In the meantime, they are focusing on the domestic market, where demand remains steady. The NRCB continues to support farmers and exporters through research and technology dissemination.