Heavy rainfall and hilly areas tend to be rigid and do not accept foreign crops. The horticulture department has tried experimenting with different crops like Litchi, Mango, Chikku, and Coconut, but has been unsuccessful in their efforts. Also, Paddy cultivation is not seen as a viable option anymore due to the scarcity of labour and non-profitability. Foreign crops that are introduced are invasive in nature and pose a threat to the local biodiversity. Farmers here need a crop that is both commercially viable and also that can serve as food in case there is a crisis for food grains in the future.

Traditionally Marabale and Yelakki are two varieties that are local and indigenous to the highlands of Kodagu. We have developed a new variety of bananas called Narendra Bale which is ideal to be grown as a secondary crop. It has similar characteristics to Nendra, Marabale and Robusta Cavendish (Pacha Bale). Narendra Bale can be grown easily as a mixed crop in Coffee plantations as it grows taller than the coffee plants.