Banana Chips Processing- a success for Banana cultivators and farm women

Banana Chips

Banana Chips

Thungchano S Ezung, Lily Ngullie, Namei A & K L Meena
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Longleng

 

Introduction


Longleng is a hilly district of eastern Nagaland. The altitude of the district ranges from 260-1485 m above MSL with latitude 26° 29' 24.71640" N and longitude 94° 49' 10.7904" E, with annual rainfall about 2000 mm. Longleng district enjoys monsoon type of climate with a minimum temperature of 10°C in winter and a maximum of 28°C in summer. Climate of the district favourable for banana cultivation with total area of 370 ha with production (4200 tonnes) and productivity (11.35 t/ha). Maximum banana fruit was wasted every year; therefore KVK Longleng has taken initiatives to conduct methods demonstration on processing of banana chips. Methodology for processing of banana chips preparation are, removal of outer skin, sliced into thin and uniform size and is kept in single layer few minute for removal of moisture. The slices are fried in hot oil till it appears crispy and yellow in color. Finally, common salt is sprinkle and packed in LDPE bags. The processed chips can be stored till 3 months. 

Table

 

Result & Discussion:


Generally, one tonne of raw banana can produce 220-250 kg of chips, sold @ Rs.300/kg. The result revealed for production of 220-250 kg of chips is, a total expenditure of Rs. 22010/- and gross income Rs. 72,000/- with net profit of Rs. 49,990/-. The benefit cost ratio was 3.27. 


Conclusion: 


Home scale processing of Banana chips was a huge success that creates an interest activity to farm women as well good source of income for banana cultivators in the district. Processing of any horticultural crops will add value to the product, increases shelf life in the form of processed product as well maintain minimum post harvest losses.