This Onam, banana leaves take container route to Gulf markets

THE green banana leaf, an unavoidable part of Onam sadya, has brought mixed fortunes to those in the export business in the state.

- Anu Kuruvilla @Kochi

THE green banana leaf, an unavoidable part of Onam sadya, has brought mixed fortunes to those in the export business in the state. Even as the demand for the leaves continues to be high in the Gulf countries, many small-time exporters failed to reap dividends because of the price difference between cargo sent via container shipment and flight. Besides, non-payment of dues has led some others to opt out of exports.

But the season has been good to some, like K B Rafeeq of Kozhikode-based KBR Export and Import, which exports vegetables and fruits. Compared to the previous year, the increased volume of orders for banana leaves this year has prompted the company to choose container shipment, he told TNIE.