Banana

🍌 Banana Varieties We Export from India

India is one of the world’s leading banana producers and exporters. With its favorable climate and diverse agricultural zones, the country cultivates a wide range of banana varieties that are in high demand across global markets. Below are some of the most prominent banana varieties we export:

Dwarf Cavendish —  One of the most commonly grown and commercially significant varieties, Dwarf Cavendish bananas are recognizable by the purple or maroon blotches on the young leaves. These bananas are compact in stature, making them less vulnerable to wind damage, and are ideal for both mass cultivation and ornamental tropical garden settings.

Basrai —  A leading variety from the Cavendish group, Basrai bananas are mainly cultivated in Maharashtra. Known for their good fruit size and bunch weight, Basrai plants are short in height, which provides natural protection against heavy winds, making them a preferred choice for commercial farming.

Robusta —  Robusta bananas are large-sized, with green skin when unripe and bright yellow when ripened. These versatile bananas are suitable for fresh consumption and also widely used in baking, fruit salads, desserts, and other culinary applications.

Lal Velchi (Red Banana) —  Also known as Red Banana, this variety is cherished in Tamil Nadu and Kerala for its sweet, aromatic, orange-yellow flesh. It’s predominantly grown in regions like Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli, and is considered a premium fruit due to its distinctive flavor and appearance.

Safed Velchi —  Cultivated in Maharashtra’s Thane and Nasik districts, Safed Velchi is a high-quality banana known for table consumption. The plants have a yellowish-green stem with reddish petiole margins and produce medium-sized fruits. The crop matures in about 13 months.

Rajeli Nendran —  A unique variety showcasing a broad range of traits, Rajeli Nendran bananas feature a thick neck and firm skin that turns yellow upon ripening. Even after ripening, the fruit retains a starchy texture, making it suitable for both raw and cooked applications.

Grand Naine —  Often referred to as “G9”, Grand Naine is one of the most extensively cultivated bananas globally. It belongs to the Cavendish group and is known for its high yield, uniform size, and consistent quality—a favorite in both domestic and international markets.

Poovan —  Poovan is a widely grown commercial banana, especially in Tamil Nadu. Known for its firm texture and slightly acidic, sweet-sour taste, this variety is also cultivated for banana leaf production. It’s popular as a perennial crop and is grown throughout southern India.