India strengthens global banana trade with focus on Russian market

India is intensifying efforts to expand its banana exports, particularly to Russia, as part of a broader strategy to enhance its global market share, according to Indian media. Following successful trial shipments to countries like the Netherlands via sea routes, India is working to establish robust sea protocols for exporting fresh produce, including bananas, mangoes, pomegranates, and jackfruit.

Currently, India primarily relies on air transport for fruit exports due to lower shipment volumes and varying ripening periods. However, the government aims to scale up volumes and reduce costs by shifting to maritime transport. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the commerce ministry, is spearheading the development of these sea protocols, focusing initially on bananas.

APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev highlighted the country’s strategic push into the Russian market, stating, "We are targeting Russia to increase banana exports. We are going to participate in buyer-seller meets in Russia." India’s banana exports reached $300 million in 2023-24, a significant increase from $176 million the previous year.

India, the world’s largest banana producer, has seen its share of the global banana export market rise from 0.21% in 2013 to 1.74% in 2023. This growth has been driven by government initiatives providing financial support to farmers, improving agricultural infrastructure, and facilitating market access. Additionally, the adoption of modern farming techniques has enhanced both the production and quality of bananas, making them more competitive in international markets.

With these efforts, India aims to achieve its ambitious $1 billion export target, leveraging its increased focus on maritime exports to tap into new markets and strengthen its position as a leading player in the global banana trade.

source: business-standard.com

photo: kcrw.com