World Banana trade Banana and Plantain is the 4th important food crop in terms of gross value.

It is produced in 130 countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world of mostly developing economies. Globally, banana and plantain are cultivated 8.834 million hectares with a total production of 100 million tones. In most of the banana and plantain growing countries, it is grown perennially with single or two cultivars dominating the whole economy. Due to the tropical Nature, these countries are receiving plenty of rains with good soil; the perennial system of cultivation is followed in large areas. Due to the non availability of labour, mechanization is commonly adapted with aerial spraying for plant protection measures. In the banana republic countries, Cavendish group of bananas are grown commercially for export to USA and UK markets. In South American countries like Brazil etc, pome group of fruits are the most important type grown commercially in large areas. In the Western African countries, Plantain is the most preferred variety grown for local and export trade. In the eastern African countries, high land AAA bananas are commonly grown with Cavendish and cooking bananas. In the South East Asian countries, like India, polyclonal system of cultivation is adopted for local and export market. In this region, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia are the major banana growing countries while Australia, Cavendish banana are grown in a larger extent. The area and production of top 10 bananas and plantain growing countries is presented below. INTERNATIONAL STATUE (AREA, PRODCUTION, PRODUCITIVTY) COUNTRY AREA ( MILLION HECTARES ) 0.490 0.298 0.513 0.259 0.400 0.444 0.285 0.054 PRODUCTION ( MILLION HECTARES ) 19.81 8.03 5.74 5.40 5.06 4.20 3.60 2.32 PRODUCITIVT Y ( MILLION HECTARES ) 34.30 26.94 11.18 20.84 12.65 9.45 8.14 42.96

INDIA ECUADOR BRAZIL CHINA PHILIPPINES COLUMBIA INDONESIA COSTA RICA

CAMEROON MEXICO OTHERS TOTAL. Indian Scenario

0.312 0.074 5.705 8.834

2.25 1.97 41.77 97.15

7.21 26.62 7.32 10.99

Banana is one of the major fruit crops grown in India. In respect of area it ranks second only to mango in the country. Banana and plantain constitute 33% of total fruit production from 12% of the area under fruits. India is the largest producer and consumer of banana in the world with estimated Production of 16.90 million tones of bananas annually from 690,000 hectares. During the last two decades, production and productivity has considerably increased With appreciable area expansion due to the growing awareness of banana in nutrition, high economic returns and its export potential. Indias domestic production alone exceeds the entire world trade. It contributes more than 2.8 per cent to GDP of agriculture in India. India being a tropical and semi-tropic region, banana can be grown in any season and the fruits will be available through out the year. This provides an opportunity for export of banana to the foreign markets through out the year. India, being close to Gulf and Japanese markets, the organic banana can be exported profitability since banana is cultivated in most of the states with minimum fertilizers especially in North East regions. Due to the adoption of the polyclonal systems different varieties of banana and plantain are available for export due to the preference of the ethnic Indian population in these countries. Due to the varying production systems and regional peculiarities provides opportunities for the cultivation of bananas from coastal region to hill region up to an elevation of 1200 meters by which production constraints can be manipulated. Similarly high genetic diversity can provide an opportunity for selection of superior clones from the population. After the WTO regime and opening up of the banana trade, there is an enhanced opportunities for export of banana to UK and US markets due to cheap production cost and availability organic bananas.

Being a short duration fruit crop and highly remunerative crop, many farmers started growing bananas in non-traditional areas in North India especially in east Uttar Pradesh, Uttranchal and Punjab. Due to the availability of tissue culture plants in large quantity which is free from pests and diseases and viruses, the productivity of these plants are very high thereby the farmers are getting very high profits. PRODUCTION SHARE OF MAJOR FRUITS IN INDIA 2004-05 LITCHI SAPOTA PINEAPPEL GRAPES GUAVA APPEL PAPAYA OTHERS CITRUS MANGO BANANA Banana Profile A total fruit production in India Banana is the most cultivated fruit with a share of 33 %.Banana production in India Banana is cultivated in about 491,000 hectares. In India and total production is approximately 16,850,000 MT. Total cultivable land for banana has increased over the years from 491,000 hectares in year 2001 to 680,000 in 2005. In last three year farmer has diverted from producing sugarcane to Banana plantation. Its estimated increase of 10% of the total cultivable up to 750,000 on 2008. Within the country, Banana ranks first in production and third in area (After Mango and Citrus fruits) among the fruit crops. Banana productions have increased from 14 million MT in 2001 to 16.85 million MT in 2005.It is estimated that 20% of the total production is wasted in the entire supply chain process (transportation and multiple handling). Banana Production Major State: 00.75 02.15 02.49 03.14 03.42 03.53 05.21 10.69 12.17 23.54 32.91 % % % % % % % % % % %

Production of Banana in India is distributed throughout the year. The following table illustrates the diagrammatic representation of the harvest patterns in the major banana growing states of India. In total Banana production Cavendish contribute 63% of the entire volume of the country.

STATE MAHARASHTRA

TAMILNADU

GUJARAT

KARNATAKA

ANDRA PRADESH

VERITIES GRAND NINE DWARF CAVANDISH, LAL VELCHI, SAFED VELCHI NENDRAN GRAND NINE ROBUSTA VIRUPAKSHI RED BANANA POVAN ELAKKI RASTALI GRAND NINE SRIMANTI MAHALAXMI MAHABANANA GRAND NINE POVAN ELAKKI CAVANDISH ROBUSTA NENDRAN GRAND NINE POVAN ELAKKI CAVANDISH ROBUSTA RASTALI

MAJOR AREAS RAVAR,SAWDA, JALGOAN,KAJGAON AND CHOPRA TRICHURAPALLI THOOTHUGUDI COIMBATORE TIRUNELVELI KARUR,ERODE, THENI KANYAKUMARI BHARUCH,SURAT BARODA,ANAND RAJPIPLA MAYSOR,SHIMOGA KOLAR,BANGLORE BIJAPUR EAST & WEST GODAVRI MEDAK, RAYALASEEMA

Total area under banana on an average remains at 500,000 hectares. Total area under banana during 2004-2005 was 530,000 hectares with annual production at around 16.80 million tons.

The following chart indicates the state wise area and production for 2004-2005. STATE TANIL NADU MAHARASHTRA KARNATKA ANDHRA PRADESH GUJARAT MADHYA PRADESH BHIAR ASSAM KERALA WEST BANGAL OTHERS ORISSA TRIPURA TOTAL AREA ( Ha ) PRODUCTION (T) 92,158 72,175 61,031 48,500 34,201 23,860 29,196 41,922 27,914 18,810 20,278 16,350 4,033 490,428 4,856,416 4,330,500 2,015,013 1,212,500 1,109,069 965,375 583,920 583,383 393,720 331,400 209,922 193,540 27,400 16,812,158 Productivity ( T/ Ha) 52.70 60.00 33.02 25.00 32.43 40.46 20.00 13.92 14.10 17.62 10.35 11.84 6.79 34.28

Tamil Nadu leads the country in banana production contributing to about 29% followed by Maharashtra at 26%, Karnataka 12%, Andhra Pradesh 7%, and Gujarat 6%. Near about 773 of the total banana production in India is focused in Maharashtra and the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Banana Production in Maharashtra: Maharashtra contributes about 26% of the total national production in India. Jalgaon District, Dhule district, Ahmednagar district are major banana growing places in the state. Jalgaon district contributes over 60% of the banana production in Maharashtra. As per statistic out of total land 72,175 hectares area, Jalgaon district it self contribute 38000 hectares land for banana cultivation al most 53% of the land of total Maharashtra district. Jalgoan, Raver, Yaval. Chopada are major Taluka for banana Cultivations. It contributes 80% of Jalgaon District banana. In Maharashtra banana is cultivated in 72,175 hectares with annual average production of about 4.3 million tons. The following are the major banana varieties grown in the state of Maharashtra .The main cultivars grown in the state are-

Grand Nine, Dwarf Cavendish, Basrai, Robusta, Lal Velchi, Safed Velchiand Nendran. Marketing destinations: Maharashtra banana finds its markets in the states of J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and parts of Uttar Pradesh. About 80% Of the total produce is sold to other states and remaining 20% is marketed to Mumbai and other major cities in Maharashtra. About 60% of the volume transported through wagons and 40% through trucks. During August to December each day about 300 to 400 trucks and 84 wagons of banana dispatched to North India and during January to July 84 wagons are dispatched twice a week in addition to 300 trucks on daily basis. Banana Production in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu produces about 21% of the total Indian production. Banana is cultivated in about 85,000 hectares with production base of 3.5 million tons in 2004-2005. In year 2005-06 93,000 hectares are under banana cultivation and productions reached to 4.8 millions tons. The banana cluster in Tamil Nadu is focused mainly in the districts of Theni, Dindigul, Trichy, Erode and Tirunelveli. The major varieties of banana grown in the clusters include Robusta, G 9 Virupakshi, Red banana, Poovan, Rasabale, and Elakkibale. The Peak Harvest period of banana in the state of Tamil Nadu is February to May and June to November. The major market within the state is Chennai and Bangalore, Delhi, Kerala, are other state markets. Banana trade takes place mostly on consignment basis. Banana Production in Gujarat: Gujarat occupies with 33000 hectares under banana with a production of 2.2 million tons of production. Banana is extensively grown in the districts of Kheda, Vadodara, Valsad, Anand, Bharuch and Surat. Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Lacatan, Elakkibale are major verities grown in Gujarat and major markets are Delhi, Rajasthan, Mumbai, Haryana and Punjab. Peak Banana harvest in the state of Gujarat is June to August. Districts indicated in the above chart

contribute to about 95% of the total banana cultivation in the state of Gujarat. Banana Production in Karnataka: In Karnataka banana is available through out the year with Bangalore, Hassan,Chichmagalur, Kolar, Chitradurga, Davangere, Tumkur the major contributors. The total area under banana in the state of Karnataka is about 61,031 hectares producing about 2.01 million tons of bananas. The major varieties of banana grown in the state are Poovan, Dwarf Cavendish, Rasabale, Robusta, Maduranga, Chandra bale Banana is harvested throughout the year but glut period / peak harvesting period is June- August and NovemberJanuary. Most of the production is consumed locally and Chennai is the major out side market. Banana Production in Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh contributes nearly 7% of the national production. Andhra Pradesh has 48,500 hectares under banana cultivation with production of 1.2 million tons. The major banana growing regions are concentrated in the East and West Godavari districts with a share of about 45% of the total state production. Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Poovan, Rasthali, Charakeli are major verities grown. Produce from Andhra Pradesh moves to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi and Chennai. Marketing Channels for Banana: Banana trade is largely dominated by the local traders and they purchase the produce at farm itself and dispatch to distant markets at their risk and cost. When the banana is matured local pre harvest contractors negotiate with the farmer and fixing the price and traders will give advance payments before harvesting. Usually commission agents or wholesalers finance contractors, so they are obliged to sell the produce through the leading commission agents/wholesaler. The commission agents are located in both the production and consuming centers. Goods are dispatched to the commission agent for the sales where rate is not confirmed. Commission agent will sale the goods deduct all expenses, transportation and 5 to 6%. Transportation charges borne by buyer.

In this type buyers person is there at the time of harvesting, loading for confirming quality and for better handling. Marketing channels in Jalgaon (Maharashtra) Channel 1: Producer Co Operative Fruit Sale Society CA (commission agent) Wholesaler- Retailer Consumer Channel 2: Producer Commission agent Whole saler- Retailer Consumer Channel 3: Producer Private agency Commission agent Wholesaler Retailer Consumer Marketing channels in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andra Pradesh Channel 1: Farmer Village Level Trader (Consolidator) Forwarder Wholesaler Retailer Consumer Channel 2: Farmer Pre harvest Contractor (Forwarder) Wholesaler Retailer Consumer Exports: In spite of India being major banana grower no major exports has been done due to lack of unorganized sectors who are handling banana business for local markets. Recently there are several exports has started exporting banana to middles markets. Some of Banana exports have started contract farming in some of area. These will help to get good quality banana for exports. Opportunity in Tamil Nadu: A company based in Tamil Nadu has stated contract farming form last year. They are presently exporting to Middle East markets. Company has 400 hectares are under contract farming.

They have different patent of contracting for Banana procurement. Basically they do not give Banana tissue, fertilizer, pesticide but they visit each farm and select from flowers and pay 20% cash advance against expected cash value of banana. In this case exporter is not liable for supplying poor quality. In these case exporter is more safe and secure. He will give his advice and technical assistance after checking flowers only. After our field visit to plant exporter had made arrange with different farmer and 4000 hectares can be arrange for Banana farming. Due to strategically local of place of packing house we can have easy assess of Tuticorin and Cochin Sea port within 300 kilometer. With this kind of facility we can cover Middle East as well as Fareast markets. Opportunity in Gujarat: A company based in South Gujarat has stated contract farming form last two years. They are presently exporting to Middle East markets. Company has 600 hectares are under contract farming till April 2009. Recently they have added 1,000 hectares under contracting farming. Presently 67.5 Tons is yield per hectares. I.e. 40,500 tons banana are available in this current year of 2009.In 2010 total 108,000 Tons banana will be available from contracted farm. Apart from contracted farms there are 33,000 hectares are under farming with out having supports of exporters. They are completely dependent on Local Markets. Out of 2.2 million ton of Banana if we buy just 10% of banana from open market it will be 212,000 Tons of banana available for export. Due to strategically local of place 250 kilometer away from Mumbai Sea port its most suitable place for exporting to Middle East Countries. To start with contract farming in Gujarat with present company, their experience, local contact, cordial and faithful relation with

farmers and financial support and business relation ship, we can go for joint ventures.

Opportunity in Maharshatra: Maharashtara being largest producer of banana there are several companies how are in export packing of Banana. Some of companies are presently exporting to middle east. Jalgaon District, Dhule district, Ahmednagar district are major banana growing places in the state. According to study Jalgaon is the most idle place for packing banana. Huge quaintly banana are available. Raver has a good quality pack house under management co-operative society of farmers, Yaval has on of the best packing plant available. Jalgaon is 425 kilometer away from Mumbai sea port. As of today we have established contact with a leading co-operative bank chairman who is lending money to farmers through Bank, at the same time he is in trade of banana wholesale business. They are also packing for Reliance( Green ). We can procure Banana from Yaval taluka where 9,406 hectares are under Banana Cultivations. With 30 kilometers away Raver Taluka has 18,559 hectares are under banana Cultivations. Its one of the biggest centralized plots for Banana cultivation in Maharashtra. There are all possibilities for procuring Banana by way of contract farming or purchase ready crops.