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India pushes GI-tagged bananas towards global export markets
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Thursday, 22 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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India is moving forward with plans to take its geographical indication (GI)-tagged bananas toward export markets, aiming to unlock fresh opportunities for growers and boost value realisation for traditional crops. Authorities in Karnataka have reported that preparations are actively underway to begin exports of the Nanjangud Rasabale banana, a region-specific variety from the Mysuru district that has faced cultivation challenges due to disease and limited marketing options.
Experts point out that cultivation of the Rasabale banana declined over time, primarily because of disease pressure and restricted access to premium markets. In response, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Karnataka Horticulture Department has stepped in to facilitate export readiness for the variety and other GI-recognized crops such as Mysuru veelyadele betel leaves.
APEDA and state agencies are working closely with farmers to meet export standards, with a strong emphasis on post-harvest handling, quality control and appropriate packaging — essential components for international market access. “This initiative will not only help growers secure premium prices but also encourage an expansion in cultivation,” said BN Gnanesh, senior scientist and head of genetics and plant breeding at ICAR–JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Suttur.
To support producers with technical expertise and market insights, a dedicated workshop on scientific cultivation practices, marketing facilities and export opportunities was organised jointly by APEDA Bengaluru and the horticulture department. The session highlighted export potential and provided actionable guidance to participating growers.
U Dharmarao, APEDA’s regional assistant managing director, emphasised the agency’s ongoing role in facilitating access to overseas markets for agricultural products with GI status, reinforcing efforts to build global demand for India’s distinctive horticultural produce.
In recent milestones tied to GI produce, India has also started shipping GI-tagged horticultural products like Nanjangudu Rasabale bananas by air to markets such as the Maldives, underscoring the growing export orientation for region-specific crops.
This strategic push aligns with broader trends in India’s agricultural exports, which have seen significant growth and expanding market access across fresh fruits in recent years.
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