Over the past two decades, India has experienced a threefold increase in banana production, driven by state agricultural strategies and widespread adoption of tissue culture technology by farmers. According to the state agriculture department, banana output rose from 545,000 metric tons in 2004–05 to 1,968,000 metric tons in 2022–23, representing a 261% increase.
"The area under banana cultivation also expanded significantly, from 27,200 hectares in 2004–05 to 42,900 hectares in 2022–23, an increase of 58%," an official from the agriculture department noted. Productivity improved from 20 metric tons per hectare to 45 metric tons per hectare, a 125% rise.
The state government supports the use of tissue culture in banana farming by offering a 50% subsidy, approximately US$300 per hectare, under its Phal Vikas Yojana. In 2024–25, over 3,600 farmers benefited from this initiative.
Agricultural authorities attribute the growth to the widespread use of tissue culture techniques, particularly for disease-free, high-yield varieties such as G-9, Malbhog, and Chinia.
"This achievement not only reflects technological advancement in agriculture but also boosts farmers' income and strengthens the state's economy," an official stated.
Tissue culture farming involves growing new plants from minute tissues or cells in controlled lab environments with nutrient-rich media. "This method yields healthier, disease-resistant plants and reduces the risk of crop failure compared to traditional techniques," the official explained.
Source: Times of India