In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI)-certified agricultural produce, a consignment of fibre and mineral rich ‘Jalgaon banana’ has been exported to Dubai. The 22 metric tonnes of GI banana was sourced from progressive farmers of Tandalwadi village in Jalgaon district.
Jalgaon, which is known as the ‘Banana City of India’ contributes about half of Maharashtra’s banana production and more than 16% India.
In 2016, the Jalgaon banana got its GI certification which was registered with Nisargraja Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Jalgaon. Since then, India’s banana export has been rising sharply because of the adoption of farm practices as per the global standards. Jalgaon’s entire 1.19 lakh acres of banana area is currently under drip irrigation.
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry of commerce and industry said that India’s banana exports grew both in terms of volume and value from 1.34 lakh metric tonne, valued at Rs 413 crore in 2018-19, to 1.95 lakh metric tonne, valued at Rs 660 crore in 2019-20. During 2020-21 (April to February), India has exported bananas worth of 1.91 lakh tonne valued at Rs 619 crore.
India is the world’s leading producer of bananas with a share of around 25% in total output. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh contribute more than 70% of the country's banana production.
The agricultural and processed food products export development authority (APEDA) promotes exports of agricultural and processed foods by providing assistance to the exporters under various schemes such as infrastructure development, quality development and market development. In addition, APEDA also conducts international buyer-seller meets and virtual trade fairs.
Apart from this, the Department of Commerce also supports exports through various schemes like Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme, Market Access Initiative.
