GI Tagging to revive special variety of banana in UP

The village of 'Ramchaura,' located about 35 kilometers north of Gorakhpur on the Sonauli road before Campierganj, was once renowned far and wide for its raw bananas. However, a soil fungus devastated this banana variety. Not only did banana production decline by up to 25%, but its very existence was threatened. Once again, the Ramchaura banana variety is set to receive a new lease on life. The Yogi government has initiated efforts to revive it, including obtaining a GI tag and efforts to eliminate soil fungus.

About three decades ago, PC Chaudhary managed Nabard in Gorakhpur. He said, "My heartfelt desire was for an industrialist to set up a plant for processing this highly useful banana variety in the region. There is a lot of potential in this area for it." At that time, the banana grown in Ramchaura, adjacent to Campierganj, was the preferred choice for vegetables. It used to go not only to neighboring districts but also to Nepal and Bihar. In Varanasi, traders would set up their stalls during the crop season. Deals were often struck in the field itself, and the produce was taken directly from the field.

Information reveals that Ramchaura was located next to a place called Meenaganj, where banana pakoras were available. Along with it, a special chutney was served. What made this chutney special was that it was made by grinding kunru (a vegetable resembling pointed gourd), panchphoran (five-spice blend), unpeeled garlic, green chili, and rock salt. People used to line up on both sides of the road with four and two-wheeled vehicles to enjoy this chutney. The field of cultivation was very close.

According to Dr. S.P. Singh, a vegetable scientist at the Agriculture Science Center in Belipar, the banana variety was affected by a fungus that has taken hold in the soil. Since the population and land for agriculture are limited in Purvanchal, there was no alternative for cultivation in other fields. As a result, the acreage for this banana variety decreased gradually.
A prominent newspaper correspondent and local resident, 62-year-old Aniruddh Lal, mentions that the cultivation area for this banana variety has reduced to 25 percent. Some villages adjacent to the region still practice its cultivation. However, those who grow it have to transport it to the market themselves. He adds that the history of Ramchaura banana dates back almost two centuries when some families from Magahar arrived here with banana saplings in 1840. The land and climate proved favorable for cultivation. Due to its production and quality, there was also demand for the produce. Therefore, cultivation of this banana variety expanded. However, due to diseases, its cultivation dwindled over time.

Renowned GI expert and Padma Shri Dr. Rajnikant says that if a product has a long history and people recognize it by the name of the place, it is more likely to receive a GI tag. Ramchaura banana fits into these criteria. Efforts will also be made to obtain GI tags for other products like it.