Floods Mean Less Banana Export To Gulf Countries

21-Oct-2013

Fruit lovers in Gulf countries will not be able to get the taste of bananas from south Gujarat, especially Narmada and Bharuch this season. Due to recent heavy rains and floods, banana crops in over 2500 hectares in Narmada and Bharuch districts have been destroyed.



As per an estimate, around 20,000 tonnes of banana from Narmada, Jaghadia and other places in Bharuch and Surat districts, are exported to Gulf countries per annum. Desai Fruits and Vegetables (DFV), country's biggest banana exporter based in Navsari, alone is exporting more than 600 to 700 containers of bananas - around 14,000 metric tones - to the Gulf countries per annum. However, this time the banana exporters would not be able to meet the demand and the export is likely to remain on the lower side at below 30 per cent.



"The banana export season starts from October and lasts till May. This time around it is difficult to cater to demand from our buyers following the heavy damage to the banana crops in Narmada and Bharuch districts due to rains and floods," said Manoj Kumar, who is heading the export division to the Gulf at DFV.



According to Kumar, the market share of Indian bananas in Gulf countries is negligible at five to seven per cent and Philippines is leading with 80 per cent share. But, the bananas from south Gujarat are more popular in Gulf countries because of their sweet taste and cheap value. While the bananas from Philipines cost anywhere between $12 and $13 per 13 kilograms, the Indian bananas cost between $2.5 and $3 per 13 kilograms.



Ajit Kumar, general manager, DFV told TOI, "The major destruction of banana crops is reported from Jaghadia in Bharuch and Narmada districts. These are the two main regions from where we source our 90 per cent of the fruit" Smita Pillai, deputy director of horticulture in Narmada district told TOI, "The banana plantation in around 1360 hectares of farm land in Narmada district has been destroyed due to floods and heavy rains. This year, the plantation was done in a total of 5300 hectare of land."

Source:- freshplaza.com