Fresh harvests, aesthetic display make this banana store near Coimbatore a head-turner

For people passing through Sirumugai – Sathyamangalam Road in rural Coimbatore, it is hard to miss a banana store run by a couple at Koothamandi Pirivu near Pethikuttai.

The distinct reddish-purple of Sevvalai (red banana) and dark green of Pachanadan paint a striking contrast with the deep yellow-skinned Rasthali, Karpooravalli and Poovan. Nendran and Kadali are also among the seasonal banana varieties sold at the store run by S. Saravana Kumar and his wife S. Vennila.

Besides the variety of fresh harvests, the aesthetic display of banana bunches attracts customers. Apart from purchasing bananas, people also stop by the road-side store to click photos and videos.

The shop got wide attention after Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu, posted on X how she stumbled upon the spot during a field visit.

Calling the store a hidden banana paradise, Ms. Sahu posted its photos on X and shared a video on Instagram.

“We source bananas from farmers from places in and around Sirumugai, where native banana varieties are cultivated in vast areas. People travelling to Bengaluru and other places purchase from us in large quantities”, said Ms. Vennila.

With the business model attracting a good number of customers, a few other people also have set up similar shops at Sirumugai.