According to the Food and Agriculture Organization's statistics for 2021, India held the title of being the world's largest banana producer, contributing 26.5 percent of the global banana production.
Moving to domestic statistics, the final estimates for 2021-22 showed that Andhra Pradesh emerged as the top banana-producing state in India, with a recorded output of 56.84 lakh tonnes, representing 16.5 percent of the country's total banana production during that period.
To enhance horticulture development, the Central government has been implementing the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, which includes a cluster development programme (CDP). For the pilot project of CDP implementation, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh was selected.
To further strengthen banana production, the Department of Horticulture under the Central government is providing assistance in the form of 40 percent of the maximum cost (up to Rs 3 lakh per hectare) for planting expenses and the cost of drip irrigation.
These details were disclosed by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, in response to a question raised by MP V Vijayasai Reddy in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
The government's focus on promoting horticulture, especially banana production, through cluster development and financial support is aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector in the country.
