BHUBANESWAR. Odisha (India CSR): A Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) initiative is bringing new opportunities for tribal farmers of Village Minia under Karnada Gram Panchayat in Phulbani Block by promoting scientific and improved banana cultivation practices. Under this programme, more than 50 tribal families have been trained in modern techniques of banana production aimed at enhancing productivity, income generation, and sustainable farming practices.
As part of the initiative, tribal farmers were provided with improved banana varieties including Grand Naine, Champa, Gajabantala, and Patkapura, along with necessary farm implements to support cultivation activities. The farmers received detailed training on various stages of banana management, particularly the practices to be followed after bunch emergence until harvesting, along with effective measures for the management of Panama wilt disease in banana crops.
A special demonstration session was also organised on corm curing techniques before planting, along with training on post-harvest handling and value addition of banana products. The training programme was conducted on 25 September 2026 by Dr. Saudamini Swain, Junior Horticulturist, and Dr. Niranjan Chinara, Junior Plant Pathologist, who guided the farmers on advanced cultivation and crop protection practices.
The tribal farmers of the region have already been engaged in banana cultivation for the last five years and many of them have achieved significant economic benefits, earning incomes in lakhs through improved farming methods. The programme aims to further strengthen their knowledge, reduce crop losses, and encourage commercial banana production.
The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Dr. Niranjan Panda, Dean of Research, OUAT, with Dr. Prakash Patil, Project Coordinator, AICRP on Fruits, leading the project activities. The overall supervision and support for the programme are being provided by Prof. Pravat Roul, Vice Chancellor, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
Through scientific intervention, skill development, and access to improved resources, the Tribal Sub Plan programme is helping tribal communities move towards greater agricultural prosperity and self-reliance.
