From November 29 to December 1, the Shri Vaidiraja Monastery in Sodhe, Udupi, will host the inaugural national banana exhibition titled “Kadalī Vishva Darshana”. Organisers from the monastery, led by Sri Vishvalabha Teertha, announced the three‑day event during a press meet held on the monastery premises.
The fair will be set up in the open ground adjacent to the parking area of Shri Krishna Monastery. It coincides with the pre‑auspicious moments of the upcoming Parva scheduled for 2028, providing a symbolic start for the agricultural showcase.
Planners aim to educate the public about the importance of banana cultivation and to reveal the sector’s vast commercial possibilities. Sessions will cover scientific advancements, sustainable farming practices, economic viability, value addition, and entrepreneurship opportunities linked to banana crops.
Organisers expect participation from roughly 2,000 farmers and an equal number of students, researchers, and agri‑entrepreneurs. Cumulative footfall over the three days is projected to exceed 10,000 visitors, creating a vibrant forum for knowledge exchange.
Key attractions include displays of more than 100 banana plant varieties, a marketplace featuring diverse fruit types, and the sale of over 150 distinct cultivars. A special initiative will name a previously unnamed banana strain, granting it a unique identity under the monastery's patronage. Exhibitors will also showcase value‑added products such as processed foods, crafts made from banana stems, leaves, and fibers, highlighting the crop's multifunctional potential.
Representatives from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra are slated to attend, bringing regional innovations and products to the fair. The event promises to stimulate interest in modern banana farming and inspire new agribusiness ventures across the coastal belt.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi