The Burhanpur Kela, known for its high banana yield and the only banana mandi in Madhya Pradesh, has been granted the Geographical Indication tag, a moment of pride for the district. Khaknar Krushi Vikas Farmer Producer Company Limited applied for the GI tag in January 2024, highlighting the region’s reputation for quality bananas. These bananas are not only popular in North India but also in Gulf countries due to their distinctive sweetness.
Thousands of orchards in the area contribute to the supply of Burhanpur bananas, which have gained recognition beyond India’s borders. The recent acquisition of the GI tag is expected to further elevate the global presence of these bananas, increasing demand both domestically and internationally. This recognition positions Burhanpur bananas for potential accolades and opens doors to new export opportunities, fostering economic growth.
The GI tag will provide a unique identity to Burhanpur bananas, enhancing their brand value and ensuring better prices for farmers. It will also protect against counterfeit products, paving the way for increased trade and market expansion. The journey to securing this recognition involved the dedicated efforts of various stakeholders and has brought joy to over 18,000 banana farmers in the district.
Currently, around 18,640 farmers cultivate bananas across 26,120 hectares of land in Burhanpur, yielding approximately 18,28,400 metric tonnes annually. This development is expected to stimulate agriculture-based industries and create employment opportunities in the region. The banana economy in Burhanpur is supported by over 55 processing units, which are set to benefit from increased demand for processed banana products due to the GI tag.
