*1.2.1 Banana*

Banana, scientifically known as *Musaceae*, originated from India to Papua New Guinea, and parts of Southeast Asia [2, 3]. Banana is one of the most popular fruits worldwide that contains various essential nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and niacin that aid in digestion, healthy heart, and weight loss [4]. The rich taste of banana is used in desserts, parfaits, and baked goods. It can be consumed raw or after cooking via frying, boiling, stewing or few other methods [5]. India is the world largest banana and plantain producer. As of 2019, the production of bananas in India was 30.5 million tonnes, which accounts for 26.02% of the global production. The other top global banana and plantain producers include; China, Indonesia, Brazil and Ecuador accounting for 53.94% of the production. It was estimated that the total global production of bananas in 2019 was 117 million tonnes [6]. The main parts of the banana plant consist of the leaves, fruit bunch, suckers, underground stem and male flowers as depicted in **Figure 1a** while b) shows statistical data of the top ten largest banana producing countries and contributors in 2019.
