In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah stated that Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Limited (BBSSL) has decided to set up Tissue Culture Facilities (TCFs) for banana cultivation in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
These facilities will help BBSSL maintain ‘true-to-type’ mother plants, produce tissue-cultured banana saplings/plantlets, and distribute 100% disease-free planting material to farmers.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring the availability of high-quality planting materials, thereby supporting sustainable growth in farmers’ income.
Bananas, due to their year-round availability, affordability, taste, nutritional value, and medicinal properties, remain in high domestic and international demand, with strong export potential.
Additionally, BBSSL has launched its seed brand under the name ‘Bharat Beej’. So far, 22,995 PACS/Cooperative Societies have become members of BBSSL.
