India sets ₹8,300 Crore Target for Banana Exports in next 5 Years
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India has set a target of ₹8,300 crore in banana exports over the next five years following a successful trial of sea shipments to the Netherlands according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). This marks a significant step forward as India has witnessed a tenfold increase in banana exports over the past decade. The opening of the sea route for banana exports is expected to further boost trade with Russia emerging as a major market for the fruit. Currently India relies on the costly air route, which limits the volume of bananas that can be exported. In the fiscal year 2023-24 India exported bananas worth ₹2,485 crore up from ₹1,460 crore in 2022-23. India’s share in global banana exports has risen from just 0.21% in 2013 to 1.74% in 2023 reflecting the country’s growing international presence. To increase export volumes APEDA is developing sea transport protocols for fresh fruits and vegetables including bananas, mangoes, pomegranates, and jackfruit. These initiatives are designed to make ocean transport more feasible for Indian farmers and expand their reach to global markets.
The Indian government is supporting banana cultivation and exports with various initiatives such as financial assistance for farmers infrastructure improvements, and better market access. As farmers adopt modern agricultural practices, the quality and yield of bananas are improving, positioning India as a key player in the global banana market. Among Indian states Uttar Pradesh has become a significant exporter of bananas with the state government promoting banana cultivation as part of its One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Kushinagar. The government is offering subsidies and incentives to farmers for growing high-quality bananas with districts in Purvanchal and Awadh regions actively engaged in banana farming. Over the past 15 years the area under banana cultivation has expanded with improved farming techniques and superior varieties contributing to higher yields and better quality crops.
