Bananas from South India's Andhra Pradesh state are gaining recognition as a reliable and high-potential crop, says Nagireddy Nagarjuna Reddy, founder of fresh produce aggregator NMR Fruit Ventures. "The recent cyclone in the State had no impact on banana cultivation in the Rayalaseema region, our main banana belt. This area is inland and unaffected by coastal weather disruptions that damaged other crops like paddy," he explains.
Reddy highlights an optimistic outlook for this year's banana production. "We expect banana output to nearly double compared to last year. More farmers are shifting from traditional crops to bananas due to better returns and increased export opportunities." He notes that export interest is rising in key districts such as Anantapur and YSR, drawing more companies to the zone.
© NMR Fruit Ventures
According to Reddy, year-round harvesting sets Andhra Pradesh apart from other banana-producing regions in the country. "Earlier, harvesting was confined to December through March, but now cultivation and harvesting continue throughout the year, providing a steady, continuous supply." He says this consistency benefits both farmers and exporters by ensuring market activity year-round.
A distinct advantage of Andhra Pradesh bananas is the region's favorable climate, which protects the crop from chilling injury. "Bananas in Maharashtra often suffer chilling injury when temperatures drop below 13°C, causing peel discoloration, mushy texture, and reduced shelf life, which in turn limits the quality and export potential during winter. However, Andhra Pradesh's milder climate prevents such damage, allowing bananas to ripen more slowly and maintain quality longer through transit." Reddy explains.
© NMR Fruit Ventures
Price competitiveness and quality are two other advantages, Reddy highlights: "Farm gate prices in Andhra Pradesh are about USD 0.03 lower per kilogram compared to Maharashtra, balancing out logistical benefits Maharashtra enjoys due to port proximity." He adds, "Our soil and climate contribute to a longer shelf life of about 30 days. These bananas ripen more slowly, which keeps them fresh during long shipments to global markets."
Reddy believes that Indian exporters have not fully explored the potential of bananas from Andhra Pradesh. "While Maharashtra dominates banana exports, Andhra Pradesh can supplement supplies with consistent quality, competitive pricing, and year-round availability, making it a promising emerging hub," he says.
As Reddy sums it, "A combination of strong yields, predictable climate, quality and pricing puts Andhra Pradesh in a key position to extend India's banana trade. We welcome more exporters to explore and benefit from what our region has to offer."
For more information:
Nagireddy Nagarjuna Reddy
NMR Fruit Ventures
TeL: +91 84 64 890 254
Email: [email protected]
