The banana republic

Vinod and Abaneesh live in a small house next to their farm, which is home to a whopping 543 species of bananas.

Abaneesh completed a degree in Engineering but found himself back home with his father, following in his footsteps. He has big plans – ranging from making banana jams and pickles to expanding their banana collection.

Phil Rowe, who led the FHIA breeding programme, developed a method to create banana hybrids–a painstakingly slow process. It began with pollen from a selected male plant fertilising female flowers. Months later, the resulting bananas were harvested, peeled, and pressed to extract seeds–an occurrence so rare that only a few seeds were viable. The seedlings were planted, followed by a long waiting period–up to 18 months for growth and another two years to evaluate disease resistance, flavour, and other traits. Most attempts failed, but Rowe and his team persevered, repeating the process thousands of times. After decades of effort, they succeeded in creating FHIA-01, widely known as Goldfinger–the first sweet banana resistant to disease.

The Jahaaji is a local favourite and the pride of Darangiri, Asia’s largest banana market in Assam’s Goalpara district, about 110 kilometres from Guwahati. This much-loved fruit contributes significantly to the market’s monthly turnover of Rs 4 crores. But growing and selling the Jahaaji comes with challenges. The trees are short, the bananas take nearly 350 days to ripen, and the fruit spoils quickly, making it difficult to handle. Despite these hurdles, the Jahaaji remains prized for its flavour and its role in the local economy.

With its reddish tint, the Kappa pazham is deeply tied to the landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A staple on southern plates, this local fruit enjoys a loyal following. Challenging to cultivate and expensive, it’s valued for more than its flavour. Known as a natural summer coolant, it’s said to help digestion and aid weight loss.

The Valentina is hard to miss with its bright pink colour and unusual trait–it peels itself when ripe. While its flavour is similar to common bananas, its tough seeds are a clear reminder that this is no ordinary fruit. As one of 68 Musa species, the Valentina is admired as much for its looks as its taste. Its velvety, flower-like appearance makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardens, adding a tropical flair. It’s little wonder it has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

The Rajapuri stands tall and strong, with a thick stem that resists harsh winds. Easy to grow and resilient, it thrives even in tough conditions, making it a favourite among farmers in less fertile regions. Its fruit, measuring 5-6 inches, sets it apart. Unlike many hardy bananas, the Rajapuri is prized for its sweet, creamy, slightly tart flavour.

The variegated banana, Musa paradisiaca, is known for its striking striped patterns on both its leaves and fruit. These stripes are the result of a genetic mutation that causes patches of colour to fade. Growing this banana is no small feat. It demands precise humidity, nutrients, shade, and plenty of patience. Despite the challenge, it’s a popular choice for home gardens, valued for its ornamental appeal and its versatile fruit, which serves as both a cooking and dessert banana.

The Yangambi banana has a mildly acidic yet pleasant taste. Its real claim to fame, however, lies in its ability to produce toxic substances that kill roundworms–pests that wreak havoc on banana plant roots worldwide.