Question : BANANA CULTIVATION



(a) the area in hectares under banana cultivation in the country, State-wise;

(b) whether the Government has any concrete action plan to promote banana plantation and its exports; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)

(a): As per the latest estimates, the area under banana cultivation in the country is 796630 hectares. A statement showing State-wise area under banana is Annexed.

(b) & (c): In order to enhance production and productivity of horticulture crops in the country including banana, Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture is implementing Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH), National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Under these schemes, assistance is provided for establishment of tissue culture units, area expansion of improved varieties, integrated nutrient & pest management, creation of post harvest management & marketing infrastructure e and setting up of processing units.

Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Ministry of Commerce provides financial assistance to create infrastructure for promotion of export of perishables including banana.