A banana grower in Chinchala village, Ashti taluka, India, has reported a harvest of 70 tons from 2.5 hectares under drought-prone conditions. The area is known for banana production, with fruit marketed to destinations including Iran and Iraq. Ashti taluka regularly faces weather variability, ranging from drought-like periods to unseasonal rainfall and hail.
In March 2025, Ashok Pokale planted 3,200 Grand Naine (G 9) seedlings across 2.5 hectares. Crop management was carried out using drip irrigation and spraying. He applied cow dung-based manure instead of chemical fertilizers.
After one year, he harvested approximately 70 tons. Input costs totaled around Rs 4.5 lakh, equivalent to approximately US$5,400. Based on current pricing, he expects returns of nearly four times the investment.
According to the grower, market access was initially uncertain until overseas buyers made direct contact. "Traders came directly from Iran to my farm and bought the entire banana produce at a rate of Rs 18 per kg. I am very happy that they approached me directly," he said.
Regarding local production conditions, he stated, "This taluka is known as a drought-prone area where we sometimes face wet and sometimes dry conditions. The conditions here are quite difficult for farming. We have to carry out our farm operations with less water. Looking at these conditions, I decided to cultivate bananas, expecting a good yield."
He added, "I am very happy to see that my banana produce is being sought in both Iran and Iraq."
The case reflects production under water-limited conditions using drip irrigation and organic nutrient inputs. In a region exposed to variable rainfall patterns, growers continue to adjust crop strategies to manage climatic risk while maintaining export-oriented supply chains.
Source: ETV Bharat
