A consignment of Mysuru betel leaves was exported to Maldives last month along with Nanjangud Rasabale bananas and Indi lemons.
| Photo Credit: M. A. Sriram
The Nanjangud Rasabale (bananas) and Mysuru betel leaves, which have long been enjoying a good demand in the domestic market, have now entered the Maldives market.
About 500 kgs of Nanjangud Rasabale and 250 kgs of Mysuru betel leaves, known locally as Chigurele or Veelyadele, were part of the first-ever air-shipment of Karnataka’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged produce flagged off to Maldives, along with 500 kgs Indi Lemons, cultivated primarily in Vijayapura district, last month.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the export of the three GI products from Karnataka during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and said these products are known for their taste and quality. He added that agricultural products were now reaching foreign countries more easily by air.
Speaking to The Hindu after Mr. Modi’s reference to the export of Nanjangud Rasabale, Mysuru betel leaves and Indi lime, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Mysuru, Manjunath said the export last month of the GI-tagged bananas, betel leaves and lemons on a ‘trial basis’ was a significant milestone.
He said the consignment had been well received by buyers in Maldives, effectively opening up an export channel. “We are optimistic and looking forward to sustained exports,” he added.
The consignment was facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in coordination with the Karnataka Department of Horticulture and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR). The produce was sourced directly from farmers in Mysuru and Vijayapura districts, while the shipment was handled by Silken Global Imports and Exports, Mysuru.
Encouraged by the positive response, officials believe exports could substantially enhance farmers’ incomes. “While there is steady local demand, exports will fetch better prices and strengthen farmers economically,” Mr. Manjunath said.
Nanjangud Rasabale, known for its distinctive taste and texture, had faced a serious setback about eight years ago due to a disease that forced many farmers to abandon cultivation. However, sustained technical interventions and government support have helped revive the crop, with the cultivated area expanding in recent years.
At present, around 200 farmers grow Nanjangud Rasabale across nearly 250 acres, according to officials.
Mysuru betel leaves, characterised by their heart-shaped form and pungent flavour, are traditionally valued for their digestive and mouth-freshening properties. Once patronised by the erstwhile Mysuru Maharajas, they continue to be an integral part of auspicious occasions, typically served post-meals with slaked lime and arecanut.
Indi lime, cultivated predominantly in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district, is noted for its strong aroma and high juice content.
Sources indicate that farmers cultivating Nanjangud Rasabale could realise nearly 50% higher returns compared to domestic market prices, while Indi lime growers may see gains exceeding 40%.
The success of the Maldives consignment is expected not only to ensure sustained exports, but also to encourage expansion in the cultivation of these GI-tagged crops, offering a significant boost to the region’s agricultural economy.
Published – February 22, 2026 06:34 pm IST
