AP To Export 1.5 Lakh Tonnes Of Green Bananas To Middle East
1 Sept 2025 11:36 PM IST1 Sept 2025 11:36 PM IST
Foreign exchange earnings of Rs 330 crore expected from the deal
A green colour banana measuring a diametre of 38-42mm and a length of 4.2cm would fetch around Rs 20 per kilo. (Image:DC)
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government would export 1.5 lakh tonnes of green bananas, mainly to Iran, Iraq, Qatar etc from mid-October. This is expected to fetch foreign exchange earnings of over Rs 330 crore.
The South African varieties of green bananas known as ‘Robusta Grand Nadine (G9)’ were brought to AP some two decades ago and they are being raised based on 100 per cent tissue culture, drip irrigation and automated supply of fertilizers to ensure high-end quality to enhance their export potential.
These bananas are being raised in Tadipatri in Anantapur and some places in Kadapa district in an area of nearly 35,000 hectares, involving around 12,000 farmers. Out of this, bananas raised in about 5,000 hectares would be used for local markets.
The farmers usually start harvesting the banana crop during mid-October and continue up to mid-March. However, severe heat wave conditions affect the quality of pulp in the fruit.
A green colour banana measuring a diametre of 38-42mm and a length of 4.2cm would fetch around Rs 20 per kilo.
AP is expecting to export 1.5 lakh tonnes of bananas this season. Last year, though it targeted an export of the same quantity, only one lakh tonnes could be sent -- at Rs 18 per kg and getting Rs 180 crore.
Horticulture joint director Deva Muni Reddy said, “We are making arrangements to export 1.5 lakh tonnes of green bananas to the Gulf countries from Rayalaseema region with an expectation to get `21-22 per kg.”
These consignments would be taken to the Mumbai port for export to destinations abroad. It takes nearly 32 hours to reach the bananas to the port from Anantapur and Kadapa. The bananas would be shipped in two vessels to the Middle East / Gulf nations per week.
The consignments are not supposed to reach these destinations on Friday, which is a holiday for them. It would be a three-day voyage from Mumbai to these destinations.
Export potential for AP’s green bananas is high for Russia and Europe if quality is assured.
However, the Netherlands has raised issues of packing, cold storage facilities etc, though it has no issues with the quality of the fruit from AP.
These bananas are being raised in Tadipatri in Anantapur and some places in Kadapa district in an area of nearly 35,000 hectares, involving around 12,000 farmers. Out of this, bananas raised in about 5,000 hectares would be used for local markets.
The farmers usually start harvesting the banana crop during mid-October and continue up to mid-March. However, severe heat wave conditions affect the quality of pulp in the fruit.
A green colour banana measuring a diametre of 38-42mm and a length of 4.2cm would fetch around Rs 20 per kilo.
AP is expecting to export 1.5 lakh tonnes of bananas this season. Last year, though it targeted an export of the same quantity, only one lakh tonnes could be sent -- at Rs 18 per kg and getting Rs 180 crore.
Horticulture joint director Deva Muni Reddy said, “We are making arrangements to export 1.5 lakh tonnes of green bananas to the Gulf countries from Rayalaseema region with an expectation to get `21-22 per kg.”
These consignments would be taken to the Mumbai port for export to destinations abroad. It takes nearly 32 hours to reach the bananas to the port from Anantapur and Kadapa. The bananas would be shipped in two vessels to the Middle East / Gulf nations per week.
The consignments are not supposed to reach these destinations on Friday, which is a holiday for them. It would be a three-day voyage from Mumbai to these destinations.
Export potential for AP’s green bananas is high for Russia and Europe if quality is assured.
However, the Netherlands has raised issues of packing, cold storage facilities etc, though it has no issues with the quality of the fruit from AP.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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