Bananas are the most widely produced and consumed fruit in the world. However, most bananas are eaten close to where they are grown because the sweet and juicy yellow fruit is an important staple food in many countries around the world, especially in developing countries. Bananas are native to Southeast Asia and the top 3 leading banana producers are countries in Asia. But Africa and Latin America are also big players.
1. India:
Bananas originated in or near India, and India is now the world's largest producer and exporter of bananas growing more than 31 million tons per year.
Most of the bananas grown in India are eaten in India. Growing regions include the Northeast and the South, but the central western state of Maharashtra leads the way. However, there are dozens of cultivars that are cultivated both in large commercial fields and in small gardens. Bananas are one of the most important fruits in India after the mango.
2. China:
China is in second place. Mostly bananas are grown in the south, mainly in Guandong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Hainan. The banana trade began to open up as the fruit became a novelty in the north which is often bought to give as gifts on special occasions as entrepreneurs grow up in China. The Cavendish breed became more in demand because it is suitable for selling in both domestic and international markets.
3. Indonesia:
Bananas are the most widely grown and most important fruit in Indonesia. Like other major producers in Asia, most of the fruit is consumed domestically. In addition to Cavendish, Indonesia also grows Mas, Ambon, Kepok, Tanduk, and Raja Bandung. The main growing regions are Lampung, East Java, and West Java.
4. Brazil:
Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of bananas in South America. About 95% of the over six million tons of annual production is consumed domestically. The top banana region is in the southeastern state of São Paulo. More than half of the country's produce is Cavendish, but Prata, Plantains, and Apple Bananas are also widely grown. Bananas are grown year-round in Brazil and are eaten by Brazilians of all social and economic classes.
5. Ecuador:
Ecuador may not be the world's largest banana-producing country at around 6 million tons, but it is the largest exporter. Ecuador exports more than 60 pepercentf its produce abroad. This is often on land that is used to grow cacao trees. However, much of the output comes from smallholders who export bananas through cooperatives. The provinces that grow the most are Los Rios, El Oro, and Guayas.
6. Philippines:
This country grows about 6 million tons of bananas each year. More than half were Cavendish, and most of this variety is grown for both domestic and international sales. Most of the fruit is grown on the islands of Mindanao and Davao; Northern Mindano and Sokskkargen are the main regions. Bananas for export account for about one-third of the total output. Most of them are grown by Philippine and multinational companies. Small farmers often sell to these companies or traders directly. Most local farmers plant for local consumption and grow as many as 90 varieties.
7. Guatemala:
A big push in the 1990s saw Guatemala become a leading player in the international banana trade. It produces more than 4 million tons per year and imports key parts to North America. At one time, most of the production was on the Caribbean coast. But rapid export-driven expansion has moved most of the crop to the Pacific coastal plains. The international marketing efforts of Guatemalan bananas have been extensive and successful by achieving unmatched production costs and focused primarily on the US market when growth slowed. The country is also starting to reach the European market. The main varieties are Cavendish, baby bananas, pink bananas, and seedlings.
8. Angola:
A civil war that lasted 27 years destroyed Angola's banana trees to the point where the fruit was imported in the early 21st century. The government is focused on revitalizing oil sales, and it will take time to increase agricultural productivity. However, in the past decade, there’s been a massive banana resurgence. Angola now grows 4 million tons of bananas per year and, since its mid-teens, has been the largest producer and exporter of bananas in Africa. The country is currently eyeing its export market and plans to start shipping to the United States. Much of its growth occurs in the provinces of Beno and Benguela, and Cavendish is the dominant variety.
9. United Republic of Tanzania:
Bananas are a staple of the Tanzanian diet and are mainly grown in the Kagera, Kilimanjaro, and Mbeya regions. The government is working to increase banana production, which is now about 3.5 million tons, the same as in Angola. Tanzania is looking for export opportunities while most sales are still domestic. Farmers begin to partner with export buyers, and some fruits are sold in Kenya and other countries. Tanzania has begun planting the Matokee culinary prime banana hybrid, and these varieties are resistant to disease and pests. Tanzanian banana trees are often planted with coffee, cassava, corn, or beans.
10. Costa Rica:
Costa Rica was the first country in Central America to grow bananas. Beginning in 1878, banana production and export were a highly organized industry. Dominated by Chiquita, Del Monte, Dole, and Costa Rica's Grupo Acon, bananas are grown nationwide, employing more than 40,000 people, producing 2.5 million tons per year, and growing more than 100,000 acres of production. Most of them are on the Caribbean coast. But there are some that are closer to the Pacific Ocean as well, Top varieties and Cavendish, Grand Enano, Criollo, and Grand Nain.
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