Question : Banana Production

(a) whether Maharashtra is the largest producer of banana in the country;

(b) if so, the details of banana production in various States including Maharashtra during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether banana farmers suffer financial loss due to drought in Maharashtra and production has decreased in recent years;

(d) if so, whether the Government has provided financial assistance and other packages to farmers to increase production of banana and mitigate the loss; and

(e) the details of the assistance provided by the Union Government during the said period to banana farmers, State-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a): As per the information available from the States, the State of Maharashtra is the second largest producer of Banana during 2014-15 in the country.

(b): The production of Banana in various States including Maharashtra during the last three years and the current year is given at Annexure-I.

(c): Yes, Madam.

(d): Yes, Madam.

(e): As per the information received from the State of Maharashtra, the details of the assistance provided by the Union Government during the last three years is given at Annexure-II.