Rinac Connect Trichy.
Seminar on “Banana Ripening challenges and solutions”
18th February, 2012
Tiruchirapalli, Feb 18 (UNI) Chennai based RINAC India Ltd, an integrated engineering solution for cold chain and modular construction industries, launched their energy efficient pressurised banana ripening chamber here today. Company's Chief Executive Officer R Krishnan told reporters soon after launching the 'BANA BARN ' chamber said India was the largest banana producing country in the world followed by Brazil, Philippines, Indonesia, China and Australia. India contributes to about 25 per cent of banana production against the World producing capacity of 93.7 million metric tonne, he added.
He said Tamil Nadu, particularly Tiruchirapalli, Theni and Coimbatore cities, constribute about 22 per cent of the country's banana production.
He said the regulated distribution of banana based on market demand will, therefore, be a boon to both the growers and customers alike.For this purpose, the artificial ripening of banana,meeting the quality, cost and time frame, which is very essential, he said. He said the only safe and worldwide accepted method of ripening bananas was the use of ethylene since it is a natural hormone for ripening. Bananas, if exposed to ethylene under controlled temperature and RH, will artificially ripen. Mr Krishnan also pointed out that having identified the potential of banana in this country and the need to support the farmers, the National Horticulture Board (NHB) has come out with an incentive package for capital investment a few years ago. The NHB will give 40 subsidy against the total cost of a banana ripening chamber (BRC). Mr Krishnan said the need for BRC was well unbderstood and there were many in the market to provide ripening chambers. However, they felt that any initiative to support this cause has to be associated with lower energy bill and elimination of wastages. He said the Bureau of Energy Efficieny will address the energy norms of ripening chamber at some point of time as they had done in the case of air-conditioners. UNI RV VV RSA HT1658
