05 January 2025, New Delhi: India is setting its sights on expanding banana exports to Russia, aiming for a $1 billion milestone in the coming years. This move comes on the heels of successful trial shipments to countries like the Netherlands via sea routes, signaling a shift from traditional air freight to maritime channels for exporting fresh produce.
Currently, Indian banana exports, along with other fruits such as mangoes, pomegranates, and jackfruit, are largely transported by air due to lower volumes and differing ripening timelines. To overcome these limitations and boost export volumes, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a wing of the commerce ministry, is actively developing sea protocols. These protocols are designed to streamline the exportation of fresh produce via sea routes, offering a more cost-effective and scalable solution for reaching global markets.
“We are targeting Russia to increase banana exports and will participate in buyer-seller meets in the country,” said APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev. In 2023-24, India exported bananas worth $300 million, a significant increase from $176 million in the previous year.
A Growing Global Player
India, the world’s largest banana producer, has made remarkable strides in the global export market. The country’s share of banana exports has surged from a mere 0.21% in 2013 to 1.74% in 2023. This growth reflects the government’s proactive initiatives to promote banana cultivation and exports, including financial support to farmers, enhanced infrastructure, and improved access to international markets.
The adoption of advanced agricultural techniques by Indian farmers has also played a crucial role in boosting production and improving the quality of bananas. By leveraging these innovations and focusing on maritime exports, India is poised to significantly expand its footprint in the global fruit market, with Russia emerging as a key trading partner.
As efforts intensify to solidify sea routes for exports, India’s ambitious $1 billion target underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its agricultural exports and securing a prominent position in the global banana trade.
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