India Approves Rs 200 Crore Banana Cluster to Strengthen Farm Infrastructure in Jalgaon
The Government of India has approved a Rs 200 crore banana cluster project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure, improving price realisation for farmers and supporting more sustainable cultivation practices. Announced during an interaction with banana growers, the initiative is positioned as a response to long-standing challenges in horticulture supply chains, including post-harvest losses and price volatility. Details were shared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, as reported by the official government release.
Banana cluster approved after long-standing proposal
Speaking in Jalgaon on the occasion of Gudi Padwa, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the long-pending banana cluster project for the region has now received approval. Jalgaon, often referred to as a major hub for banana production, plays a significant role in India’s horticulture output.
The cluster will be developed at a cost of Rs 200 crore and is intended to modernise the banana value chain from farm to market. According to the ministry, the project reflects the government’s wider objective of raising farmer incomes while strengthening rural infrastructure.
Focus on post-harvest management and market access
The approved banana cluster will include facilities supporting good agricultural practices, mechanisation, bio-control measures, fruit covering and pre-cooling. In addition, infrastructure such as cold storage units, ripening chambers, refrigerated vans, and processing and export facilities will be developed to reduce wastage and improve quality control.
Financial support for these facilities will be available through schemes including the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. The ministry said these subsidies are designed to ensure that farmers directly benefit from improved infrastructure and logistics.
Addressing price gaps between farms and cities
The minister highlighted the persistent gap between prices received by farmers and retail prices in urban markets, citing examples such as tomatoes where growers are sometimes forced to sell at very low rates. He said the central and state governments are working together to develop mechanisms to narrow this gap and ensure farmers receive fair value for their produce.
He noted that crops such as bananas cannot be procured and stored long-term under the minimum support price system. As a result, alternative models are being explored under schemes such as PM-AASHA, where farmers may be compensated for the difference between market prices and a predefined model price when rates fall sharply. Similar approaches have previously been tested for crops including chilli and mango.
Encouraging natural farming and soil health
Concerns were also raised about the impact of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides on soil health. The minister pointed to declining organic carbon levels, loss of beneficial insects and reduced soil fertility as long-term risks to agricultural productivity.
Farmers were encouraged to adopt natural farming practices, beginning on a small experimental scale. The ministry stated that evidence from existing initiatives suggests that, when implemented correctly, natural farming does not reduce yields and can improve land productivity over time. This emphasis aligns with broader efforts to integrate innovation and sustainability, including emerging approaches highlighted in discussions on AI-driven agricultural transformation and smart agriculture using space technologies.
Roadmap for global recognition of Jalgaon bananas
The ministry said feedback and suggestions from farmers will be used to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for addressing local challenges. The goal is to strengthen the regional banana ecosystem and position Jalgaon’s produce more competitively in domestic and international markets.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, the minister said the combined focus on infrastructure, fair pricing mechanisms and sustainable practices is intended to support long-term self-reliance and prosperity in the agricultural sector.
