Madhya Pradesh is increasingly recognized in the global agri-export market, exporting 30,000 tons of bananas annually from the Burhanpur district to Iraq, Iran, Dubai, Bahrain, and Turkey. Approximately 19,000 banana farmers are cultivating 23,650 acres, producing 1.65 mln tons annually. The district's bananas have found robust domestic and international markets due to the farmers' keen interest in the export market, favorable trading infrastructure, and numerous export facilitating units.
Key varieties include G-9, Basrai, Harshali, and Srimanthi. The Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme promotes banana cultivation, under which Burhanpur has 30 banana chip processing units. Some are producing banana powder and exploring global markets.
Praveen Patil, a banana farmer, states, "the last two seasons were good. We got a handsome rate between Rs. 2,000 to 2,500 per 100 kgs according to market demands." However, he notes the challenges of farming, including the cucumber mosaic virus – CMV, which can devastate crops.
Despite these challenges, the Burhanpur banana has secured a strong domestic market. "Our banana goes to New Delhi and Haryana. I am also in contact with those who are into agriculture export," says Patil.
Rahul Chauhan, another farmer, emphasizes the importance of understanding the economics of farming. "Many times market rates are good, but the crop is poor. Sometimes, the crop is handsome, but rates are poor." He also highlights the threat of the CMV virus, which can lead to the destruction of fully grown plants.
[ Rs. 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: www.en.krishakjagat.org