Call to boost banana exports

The Centre will ensure initiatives to step up banana exports from India, the world's largest producer, said Union minister of state for commerce Jairam Ramesh.

Despite the fact that India is the largest banana producer, with 17 million tonnes per annum, the country did not have a presence in the global market, he said.

Adequate infrastructure facilities like ripening centres,cold storage system and refrigerated mobilisation led to a reduction in post harvest losses which accrued to 25 per cent as per a National Research Centre for Banana survey.

He said thrust should be given on markets in the West Asia, China,Japan and East Europe.