Mumbai - India, a leading force in the global banana market, is currently grappling with a critical challenge as extreme cold weather impacts its major banana-producing states. Temperatures in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have dropped below 12 degrees Celsius, causing severe chilling injuries to bananas. This is expected to reduce exports by 30%, resulting in an estimated financial loss of approximately $24 million, according to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Kaustubh Bhamare of Pinnacle Agrotech reported a drastic drop in banana purchasing rates by traders, from $0.29-$0 . . .