Indian Banana Industry: Unlocking the Production and Trade Potential

Abstract

The results revealed that drip technology reduces the need for labour, water, growth regulators, plant protection chemicals, fertilizers, and manures, leading to cost savings for farmers. In drip, the yield was 19.02 per cent higher, indicating a significant increase in profitability (`77154.6 per ha) compared to the traditional irrigation method. The contract farming model also benefits contract farmers by providing `135224 per ha more profit than non-contract farmers. The volume and value of banana exports continuously increased in the last eight years. During the study period, India was found to have a comparative disadvantage and lack of competitiveness in the international market in exporting bananas. Therefore, enhancing production, productivity, cost-effectiveness, and quality is essential to improve India's competitiveness in the global banana market.