Banana

India has become a major player in global banana exports, with bananas recently overtaking grapes to become the country’s top fruit export by value. In the financial year 2024–25, banana shipments from India were valued at around US $377.5 million, showing strong growth — almost seven times higher than levels seen in FY18. This surge reflects increasing international demand and India’s competitive pricing in export markets.

Indian bananas are shipped in fresh form (including plantains) to various countries, with major importers of Indian bananas in 2024 including Iraq, Iran, Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Total export volumes were substantial, with hundreds of millions of kilograms shipped, highlighting India’s expanding reach in West Asian and Central Asian markets.

To boost exports further, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and the Indian government are promoting new logistics solutions like sea route shipments, which can help reduce costs compared to air freight. With successful trial shipments to places like the Netherlands and targeted market expansion (e.g., Russia), India aims to grow its banana export earnings significantly — potentially toward US $1 billion in the next few years.