Target: $1 billion in banana exports

India is the world's leading producer of bananas, with 35.36 million tonnes, representing 26.45% of global production. As far as banana exports are concerned, India accounts for just 1% of the world market.

 

According to local media, after the 1st successful export of fresh bananas by sea to the Netherlands, industry players and stakeholders believe there is huge export potential. India could increase its exports of fresh bananas to USD 1 billion over the next 5 years.

 

To this end, APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), in collaboration with other stakeholders, has developed maritime protocols for bananas. 

 

India could expand the range of destination countries, with new opportunities in other markets such as the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, China, the Netherlands, the UK and France.

 

In 2022-23, India exported bananas worth 176 million USD. The main destination countries were Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Afghanistan and the Maldives.