NRCB and TNAPEx Drive Value Chain Strengthening to Tap Global Banana Market

29 September 2025, Tiruchirappalli

A stakeholders’ meeting on “Strengthening Banana Value Chain and Export Promotion” was organized at the ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli, bringing together key players from research, industry, and trade to explore strategies for expanding India’s footprint in the global banana market.

The Chief Guest, Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli, lauded ICAR-NRCB’s global achievements and reflected on the banana’s deep cultural and spiritual roots in India. Sharing personal memories of his association with the fruit, he highlighted its mentions in Vedic texts and epics, and urged stakeholders to recognize the importance of every link in the value chain. He also underscored the need for adopting Global GAP certification to unlock greater export potential.

Delivering the presidential address, Dr. R. Selvarajan, Director, ICAR–NRCB, emphasized India’s leadership in banana production and tissue culture technology, producing 38 million tonnes from less than one million hectares. He stated that banana ranks first among India’s fruit exports, surpassing grapes, with the country exporting about 2% of its production, earning ₹3,300 crore annually. He called for greater promotion of India’s diverse GI-tagged banana varieties alongside the globally dominant Grand Naine, citing successful examples such as the export of Red Banana to Europe. Dr. Selvarajan also highlighted the potential of value addition and innovative banana-based products to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen India’s position in global trade.

A panel discussion featuring representatives from NRCB, NABARD, DIC, NIFTEM–Tanjore, TNAU, DGFT, and CIPMC focused on strategies to expand India’s share in global banana exports. Participants highlighted the need for quick-freezing infrastructure, single-window export clearances, and support for the banana fibre industry to establish a sustainable circular economy. The discussion also explored value-added products such as banana stem juice, flour, sugar, xylitol, pectin, and vegan leather. Panellists recommended integrating banana-based products into government mid-day meal schemes and raising awareness of subsidy programs that support end-to-end business ventures from cultivation to retailing.

The meeting witnessed active participation from nearly 150 stakeholders, including farmers, traders, exporters, entrepreneurs, and representatives from KVKs, FPOs, and other banana-growing communities across Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tanjore, Ariyalur, and Coimbatore districts.

The deliberations offered valuable insights into strengthening the banana value chain, fostering innovation, and positioning India as a global leader in banana exports.

(Source: ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli)