Banana bio-economy of Burhanpur: Promoting sustainability and empowering women

If there is one district of Madhya Pradesh that makes it to the national map of banana production, it is Burhanpur. It is a historic city situated at the bank of River Tapti. Known famously as the ‘Key to Deccan’, it houses the magnificent ‘Asirgarh Fort’, Shahi Qila and UNESCO-nominated Kundi Bhandara. Being posted in Burhanpur as the CEO Zila Panchayat, gave me an opportunity to work closely in the rural hinterland. While Burhanpur has an old textile industry, it also features large scale banana production since last decade. The banana is not only sold just as a fruit but is processed into various types of products by the Self Help Group women and local entrepreneurs.

Variety of products made from banana fibre

The value chain of banana tree is quite long. Each part of a banana plant can be turned into a value-added product. In Burhanpur, it is being utilised to make more than six types of products. Apart from food items, handicraft and pooja items like clock, bags, mats, caps, rakhis, keychains, diyas, broom, sanitary napkins for women, organic fertiliser, leather and even plywood! Banana can also be made into paper, fabric and biofuel, for which there are trial runs in the district.

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In 2014, Burhanpur had 16,000 hectares area under banana cultivation, producing

1 million tonnes of banana which has risen to more than 25,000 ha and 1.7 million tonnes banana in 2024.

Find the entire article on DOWN TO EARTH online - https://www.downtoearth.org.in/economy/banana-bio-economy-of-burhanpur-promoting-sustainability-and-empowering-women