In a significant step towards strengthening India’s agriculture and horticulture sector, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of a ₹200-crore Banana Cluster aimed at enhancing productivity, value addition, and market linkages for banana farmers.
The Banana Cluster initiative is designed to create an integrated ecosystem encompassing cultivation, post-harvest management, processing, storage, and export facilitation. By focusing on improving infrastructure and supply chains, the project seeks to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure better price realization for farmers.
The initiative will also promote the adoption of modern technologies, scientific farming practices, and efficient logistics systems. It is expected to generate employment opportunities in rural areas while boosting agri-based industries and strengthening the overall value chain of banana production.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the Minister stated that the Banana Cluster will play a key role in transforming the agriculture sector by enhancing farmer incomes, promoting exports, and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. The project reflects the government’s commitment to advancing horticulture and improving the livelihoods of farmers through targeted investments and integrated development models.