India’s banana industry hit hard by cold wave, exports to drop by 30%

India, one of the world’s largest banana exporters, is facing a major crisis as extreme cold weather disrupts production in key states. Temperatures in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have dropped below 12°C, causing severe chilling injuries to bananas. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) estimates a 30% drop in exports, leading to potential losses of around $24 million.

Farmers are grappling with falling demand due to red spots on banana skins caused by the cold. Kaustubh Bhamare of Pinnacle Agrotech reported a sharp decline in purchasing rates, dropping from $0.29-$0.34 per kilogram to $0.10-$0.17 per kilogram. This has significantly impacted farmers’ incomes and the quality of exports.

The crisis is particularly concerning for exporters who recently secured large orders from Russia and Iran, highlighting the continued global demand for Indian bananas. However, the shortfall has created an opening for competitors like Ecuador and the Philippines to expand their market share.

In response to the crisis, farmers in Maharashtra’s Jalna and Sholapur districts are experimenting with adjusted planting schedules to reduce future cold-weather damage. However, the recovery effort faces hurdles, including a limited supply of tissue-cultured banana plants. Ajay Kumar of Kedia Commodities suggests that early planting and harvesting could help mitigate the effects of extreme weather on the banana industry.

source: knnindia.co.in

photo: bbc.com