The ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (ICAR–NRCB) celebrated its 32nd Foundation Day and KisanMela on 21 August 2025, under the theme “Smart Banana Farming for Wealth and Health.” The programme was attended by about 1000 farmers. In his presidential address, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR–NRCB, highlighted that Centre has so far developed and released eight climate-resilient banana varieties. This year, two elite clones were added for release:NRCB Selection 16, rich in pro-vitamin A (nearly 10 times higher than the conventional Grand Nain). With its yellow pulp, only five fruits are sufficient to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin A.NRCB Selection 19, a PachaLadan type, high-yielding variety (40% higher yield) resistant to Eumusae leaf spot, eliminating the need for fungicide sprays, thereby promoting sustainability and environmental safety.The Institute continues to promote Geographical Indication (GI) and traditional banana varieties to avoid monoclonal cultivation. This year alone, over 78,000 tissue-cultured plants were produced through high-throughput bioreactor technology, covering varieties such as Ney Poovan, Nendran, Red Banana, and NRCB-developed varieties, and supplied to farmers across 25 districts. Notably, from just 1 ml of Embryogenic Cell Suspension (ECS), between 8,000 and 40,000 plants were generated. Further he emphasised that smart farming initiatives integrating AI, IoT, drones, remote sensing, and data analytics have reduced water use by 25–30%, nitrogen by 50%, and potassium by 25%, without compromising yield. More than four million banana mother plants were virus-tested and certified this year through Genetic Fidelity Services.Projects for integrated Fusarium wilt management were implemented in Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh), Jalgaon (Maharashtra), Bharuch (Gujarat), and Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh). In addition, the Centre conducted 10 five-day training programmes and 246 capacity development programmes (CDPs), directly benefiting 13,245 individuals. Chief Guest – Dr.TusarKantiBehera, Director, ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticulture Dr.Behera commended ICAR–NRCB’s research and development efforts, emphasizing the importance of quality planting material for disease-free, high-yield banana cultivation. He appreciated the Institute’s Integrated Farming System (IFS) model, particularly its role in enhancing soil fertility through effective utilization of banana plant residues. He also stressed entrepreneurship opportunities, market linkages, and the role of FPOs. Guest of Honour – Mr. S. Annadurai, Director, Tribal Development Board, Chennai informed that the Tribal Development Department received the “Nallaluumai Award” from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, thanks to the technical support from ICAR institutes. He also announced the signing of anMoU with ICAR–NRCB for implementing banana-based tribal development programmes. Guest of Honour – Dr. R. Thangavelu, Director, ICAR–NRIIPM, New Delhihighlighted the need for regulated use of fertilizers and pesticides, stressing that Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is vital for sustainable horticulture.Dr. P. Govindaraj, Director, ICAR–SBI, Coimbatore in his address appreciated the ICAR-NRCB for successfully developing eight new banana varieties despite challenges, and acknowledged its significant contributions in crop production, protection, value addition, and overall growth during the past three decades. During the event three MoUs signed with the Tribal Welfare Department (Tamil Nadu), Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (Jalgaon), and the Government of Nagaland.Three extension pamphlets and three new products were released.Four thousand tissue-cultured banana saplings distributed to Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers under the SC & SP Sub-Plan to the Thottiyam farmers. To recognize the achievements of various stakeholders, 20 different awards were presented, including Best Banana Farmers, Best Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Best Technology Dissemination, Best KrishiVigyanKendras (KVKs), Best Entrepreneurs, and Best Technical Staff. The event attracted around 1000 participants including farmer groups such as Karamadai FPO, Senassanjahtna FPO (Mysuru), CIAE (Coimbatore), and BharathiKisanSangam (Solavanthan). The event featured the panel discussion on “AI Interventions in Banana Farming and Value Chain” and “Quality Planting Material to Boost Banana Productivity” in which farmers entrepreneurs and other stake holders were eagerly participated and discussed. Apart from this more than 20 exhibition stalls were also part of the programme. Dr. M. MayilVaganan, Principal Scientist, ICAR–NRCB, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. C. Karpagam, Principal Scientist, ICAR–NRCB, proposed the vote of thanks.