New Delhi, June 24: Burhanpur bananas, renowned for their sweetness and quality, have been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This achievement is seen as a significant success for thousands of banana farmers in the region.
The application for the GI tag was submitted in January 2024 by Khaknar Agricultural Development Farmer Producer Company Limited. Burhanpur is recognized as the leading district for banana production in Madhya Pradesh and hosts the only banana market in the state, making it a long-standing hub for the banana trade.
The district’s numerous orchards produce large quantities of bananas each year. The bananas from Burhanpur are popular across the country, especially in North India, due to their unique sweetness, flavor, and quality. Additionally, there is a consistent demand for Burhanpur bananas in Gulf countries.
With the GI tag, Burhanpur bananas will gain a distinct identity on both national and international levels. This will enhance the product’s brand value and potentially provide farmers with better prices for their produce. Furthermore, it will protect this special variety from counterfeit and similar products.
Currently, around 18,640 farmers in Burhanpur are engaged in banana cultivation, covering approximately 26,120 hectares of land. This vast area yields about 1,828,400 metric tons of bananas annually.
Experts believe that the GI tag will open new export opportunities, strengthening trade and the local economy. Agricultural-based industries and the food processing sector are also expected to benefit.
The banana processing industry in Burhanpur is already rapidly developing. Under the Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Industry Upgradation Scheme, over 55 banana processing units have been established in the area. These units produce various value-added products and snacks from bananas.
Following the GI tag, demand for these products is anticipated to rise, providing a new impetus to local industries, creating new job opportunities, and allowing the sweetness of Burhanpur bananas to reach more countries worldwide.
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