Transparency and authenticity of banana value chain

Abstract

Banana, a common fruit delicacy among most of the Sri Lankan and the fruit represent all cultural events across diverse ethnicities. Large variety of desert and cooking types banana add diversity to local meals in terms of nutrition and taste. Banana is one of the min sub sector of rural agricultural economy. Key concerns of the study were to map banana value chain in order to identify the key players, functions, architecture along the chain and recognize the existing transparency and credibility within Banana chain. Three banana producing area in Polonnaruwa district and four key banana types (Ambul, Sugar, Kolikuttu, and Cavendish) were considered for the study. Structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and participatory observations were used to collect data from the actors along the chain. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Results revealed that conventional and peculiar actors such as input suppliers, producers, farm-gate transporters, wholesalers, processors, retailers, and consumers. Banana value chains are twofold; short regional chains and complex and lengthier export oriented chains. Fragile and scattered regional value chains contain poor transparency system and lack of authenticity significantly affect on customer care. In contrast, few large scale producers were used labels or QR codes and chain wide transparency fulfill the export market requirements. Those revealed producer details, origin, claim on safety and quality standards and certification. The study recommends intervention in the area of linking actors in the value chain to improve transparency and authenticity.