India's banana exports are continuing steadily, but changing weather patterns and lack of institutional support remain persistent concerns for farmers. In Maharashtra's Solapur district, one of India's main banana-growing regions, farmers are witnessing both the benefits of strong overseas demand and the risks posed by climatic fluctuations.
"Export prices have been good this year," says Abhijit, a grower from Karmala in Solapur. "At the farm level, the rate is around USD 0.2 to 0.27 per kilogram depending on quality. He explains that approximately 70 percent of India's export consignments go to Iran and Iraq, while the rest are bound for Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia." A new market has also opened in Russia, with a dozen containers already shipped, and buyers there showing real interest."
© Trimurti Fruit Company
Despite steady global demand, weather-related crop issues have troubled farmers this season. Excess rainfall led to black spots and black spots and red rust diseases, while falling winter temperatures bring what farmers call "chilling injury." Patil explains that when temperatures drop after Diwali, around late October to early November, there are risks of bananas not ripening properly. Instead of turning golden yellow, the skin remains khaki, which lowers the market value significantly."
To prevent such injuries, farmers use practical field measures. Patil shares, "Irrigation is adjusted when temperatures drop. At night, dry leaves are burnt to maintain warmth in the orchard." Still, as winter intensifies across Maharashtra, these measures offer only partial relief. "If chilling spreads across the region, only bananas from unaffected farms will fetch higher export prices," he adds.
© Trimurti Fruit Company
While India is the world's largest banana producer, growers like Patil feel government backing for the crop remains limited compared to other fruit sectors. "There are dedicated research and subsidy programs for grapes and pomegranates, but not for bananas," he notes. Farmers have been urging the establishment of a national-level research centre in Maharashtra to strengthen quality standards and export competitiveness.
Looking ahead, growers remain hopeful as Russia emerges as a promising destination, with increasing buyer interest and strong projected shipment volumes. Patil concludes, "Stronger government engagement in disease management, weather resilience, and post-harvest infrastructure will be crucial for sustaining export growth in the coming years."
For more information:
Abhijeet Patil
Trimurti Fruit Company
Tel: +91 86 05 059 298
Email: [email protected]
