Banana farmers in Karnataka are struggling with crop damage due to the unusually cold weather this winter. Horticulture officials estimate that more than 25% of the banana crop, still in its early growth stage, is being affected by temperatures dipping below 12°C. In addition to the crop damage, wholesale merchants have warned of a slump in exports, as severe cold leads to discoloration of the bananas.
Karnataka, the third-largest banana producer in India after Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, cultivated bananas across 1.08 lakh hectares, producing 29.73 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24. The crop is mainly grown in the southern districts of Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, Mysuru, and Hassan, with the Cavendish and Yalakki varieties being the most common. In the northern regions, including Kalaburagi, Yadgir, and Bidar, bananas are grown with irrigation support.
Farmers, like Gulappa Mahadevaswamy from Mysuru, are facing significant losses after investing heavily in banana farming. “I have lost a portion of my crop due to heavy rains in August and now, the cold conditions are further damaging my investment,” he said. In Mandya, banana merchant Nandish B V noted a price drop due to increased arrivals from Andhra Pradesh.
The cold weather, compounded by a lack of micronutrients like zinc and boron in the soil, has made crops even more vulnerable. Farmers have seen banana prices drop significantly, with Cavendish bananas now priced at Rs 1,100 per quintal, down from Rs 1,800 just four months ago. Exporters are facing reduced demand due to poor fruit quality, with bananas turning reddish because of the cold.
Farmers are calling on the government to buy bananas at a support price and provide guidance on protecting crops. They are also seeking the establishment of a dedicated banana growers’ board to address their concerns.
Horticulture department officials acknowledge the impact of winter on banana crops but assure that recovery is possible once summer begins, as long as the plants receive the necessary nutrients. However, the off-season and reduced demand due to the winter months are contributing to the drop in prices.
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