The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, facilitated the export of Indian bananas to Russia by Mumbai-based exporter M/s. Gurukrupa Corporation Pvt. Ltd., known for exporting fresh fruits and vegetables to the EU and the Middle East.
On February 17, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev flagged off a shipment of 20 metric tons (1540 boxes) of bananas from Maharashtra. This effort involved collaboration with the Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture (CISH), which developed a sea protocol to preserve fruit quality during transit.
Dev urged exporters to embrace innovative shipping methods to access new markets, highlighting APEDA’s support and financial assistance scheme, especially for women entrepreneurs.
Russia’s interest in Indian tropical fruits, particularly bananas, signals a shift from its reliance on imports from Ecuador.
Indian bananas are exported to various countries, including Iran, Iraq, UAE, Oman, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Afghanistan, and the Maldives. Additionally, there are opportunities in the USA, Russia, Japan, Germany, China, the Netherlands, the UK, and France.
Andhra Pradesh is the leading banana-producing state in India, followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, contributing 67% to the country’s banana production in 2022-23.
In 2022-23, India exported bananas worth USD 176 million, aiming to achieve a target of USD 1 billion in exports within five years, which would benefit farmers and generate jobs.