Idukki (Kerala): Indonesian plantain variety of ‘Popoulu’ has become a star in the hilly region of Idukki district in Kerala. Father Sijo Povvaathil, a priest with the St Mary’s Church at Manjappetti in Nedumkandam, Idukki, has proved that the 'Popoulu' variety of plantain will grow in galore along the hillsides of Idukki.
The two plantains which were grown in the Church premises on a trial basis by Father Sijo has bloomed well with healthy banana bunches. Many farmers who have only heard about the Indonesian Popoulu have been visiting the Church premises to see how the plantain looks and how to cultivate it. Popoulu variety of banana is distinct for its round-shaped fruits, though the taste and colour are similar to that of the Nendran.
The Indonesian variety has piqued the curiosity of farmers here and they try to know more about the cultivation techniques. Father Sijo Povvathil, who had earlier only read about the banana variety, procured the plantain saplings of Popoulu with a lot of effort. The Popoulu plantain has been grown in India only for study and research purposes at the Kerala Agricultural University.