Estimated annual production of bananas across the state in 2019-20.Andhra Pradesh stands at the top in area under cultivation, production and export of bananas in the country. The state government has identified banana as one of the growth engine crops owing to proactive steps taken by the department of horticulture.

Total area under cultivation. Rayalaseema districts have emerged as the top producing areas. Yield: 60 tonnes / hectare.

Estimated number of farmers engaged in cultivation. The majority of banana farmers in the state grow Karpura Chakkerakeli, Tella Chakkerakeli, Budida Chakkerakeli, Amruthapani, Red-Banana, Sugandhalu (Karpura), Karpuravali (Budida Arti) and Rasthalu varieties.

Exports from the state in 2020-21 (estimated). Primary destinations include: UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran.

Production in Kadapa district of the state. The fruit is cultivated over 25,000 acres in the district with Pulivendula constituency alone accounting for 10,000 acres. Other major regions include, Rajampeta and Railway Kodur.

Production in Anantapur district of the state.

Production in Chittor district of the state.

Production in Kurnool district of the state.

of the fruit cultivated in the state is exported to other states, with Delhi, Lucknow and other cities in the Northern States being the main markets.

Banana farmers and related stakeholders that are expected to benefit through the set up of a Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP). Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, announced during his visit to the Karnapudiki Village of Narpala Mandal in Ananthapur District that Ananthapur has been selected as a pilot cluster for Banana under HCDP. The cluster will enable handling of approximately 750,000 metric tonnes of banana. The programme also we aims to improve exports of the targeted crops by 20-25% and create cluster-specific brands to enhance the competitiveness of cluster crops.