India, Nov. 27 -- A new, dwarf banana variety, designed to withstand strong winds and mature earlier than standard ones, could emerge as an economic game-changer for farmers.

Developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), this is the first mutant banana variety in India, and also the first fruit crop developed and released by BARC," reads a media statement.

Formally called the "Trombay Banana Mutant-9" (TBM-9), the mutant banana has been christened "Kaveri Vaaman". BARC says it has been developed from the economically important "Grande Naine" cultivar and is an expansion of its mutation breeding programme. With Kaveri Vaaman, BARC has released 72 improved crop varieties.

"The key advantage of Kaaveri Vaaman is its short stature...