Vazhakulam (Ernakulam): The Nendran bananas will soon find its market in Europe. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the project named ‘Nendran bananas to Europe’ on February 27 via online. Agriculture minister VS Sunilkumar will preside over the function to be held at pack house of Vazhakulam Agro and Fruit Processing Company here.

The export procedures are carried out under the sea shipment protocol developed by Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council in association with the Department of Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare.

The Nendran bananas from Kerala are in great demand abroad. Now, mostly the export is to Gulf regions. This is exported via air and hence there is restriction on the weight. However, shipping to Europe will not have this constraint.

The nendran stalks will be brought to the pack house and will undergo plant quarantine inspection. This will then be taken to Kochi harbour and then to London Gateway harbour. It will be subjected to ripening and sent to customers in England and Scotland.

All the procedures involved are confirmed of traceability and QR code facility. The quality of the product can be ensured through this.

2000 ton nendran bananas are expected to be shipped per year to London.