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Banana Cluster in Maharashtra
Why in News?
On the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced approval for a ₹200‑crore ‘Banana Cluster’ project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, aimed at enhancing banana cultivation and strengthening agricultural infrastructure.
Key Points
- Objective: The project aims to develop a complete banana value chain including production, processing, storage, and marketing, enhancing both farmer income and export potential.
- Cluster Infrastructure: Facilities under the cluster include Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), mechanisation, bio-control units, fruit covering, pre-cooling chambers, cold storage, ripening chambers, refrigerated vans, processing units, and export infrastructure.
- Financial Support: Subsidies for these facilities will be provided through the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
- Recognising that bananas are not covered under MSP for long-term storage, the government is considering alternative mechanisms to compensate farmers if market prices fall below a predetermined cost or model price, under schemes like PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanraksan Abhiyan).
- Significance: Jalgaon, also known as the ‘Banana City’, plays a pivotal role in India’s horticulture sector and contributes significantly to agricultural development.
| Read More: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), PM-AASHA |
