India’s banana export sector is reflecting a strong growth trajectory with recent years delivering impressive gains, says Shvam Dhumal, Director at Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd, a fresh produce exporter based in Maharashtra. “India banana exports grew by 70% in the year 2023-24 to USD 272 million. For 2024-25, the sector expects to maintain similar growth and surpass USD 451 million in exports, with overseas buyers showing sustained interest.”
According to Dhumal, production volumes have increased over the previous season, with consistent export quality. “Maharashtra’s Solapur and Jalgaon districts remain key banana hubs, with Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat supplementing supply, especially of the G9 variety. While Jalgaon and Solapur offer year-round availability, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat harvest primarily between November-February and July-September, respectively.”
Export prices have moderated this year as a result of higher production. “The average banana box of 13.5 kg net fetched $6 to $8 last season, while this year’s boxes average between $4 and $5 in India. Packaging formats also adapted to regional requirements, with certain countries requesting 7 kg net boxes.”
Dhumal highlights another aspect of box recovery, referring to the proportion of fruit hands per carton. “Indian banana exporters typically achieve an 80% recovery for 4-, 5-, and 6-hand clusters, which are the preferred grades. 7- and 8-hand clusters make up the remaining 20%. Some shipments can be custom-packed for 100% recovery of specific hand sizes, to meet buyer and market preferences.”
In terms of markets, the Middle East dominates as the top export region for Indian bananas. “Demand from Iraq, Iran, UAE, Uzbekistan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Afghanistan remains consistent. Bananas enjoy similar prestige as apples in India and are consumed daily,” Dhumal observes. He shares Agroindi EXIM’s expansion plans into Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar.
For the coming weeks, Dhumal expects export volumes to peak until January, especially for Andhra Pradesh bananas which are secure from chilling injuries compared to those from Maharashtra. “Domestic demand is also rising, and exporters are confident they can meet requirements both at home and abroad,” Dhumal concludes.
