Tamil Nadu Farmers Challenge University's Banana Price Predictions

Banana farmers in Tamil Nadu are questioning the reliability of price forecasts issued by the state agricultural university, arguing that the projections fail to account for what growers actually receive at the farm level.

The Domestic Export and Market Intelligence Cell at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has projected farmgate prices of Rs 23-25 per kilogram for poovan bananas, Rs 25-28 for karpooravalli, and Rs 33-35 for nendran varieties during October-November 2026. The forecast is based on two decades of price data and surveys of Coimbatore markets and traders.

Dr G Ranganathan, state organizing secretary of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Sangam, criticized the methodology, stating that the forecasts rely solely on market prices rather than linking them to what farmers receive at the gate. He called for government support to enhance the system's practical value for growers.

Farmers noted that banana supplies have dropped by half due to water shortages, which has kept prices elevated through the Pongal festival period. Tamil Nadu ranks third nationally in banana production, cultivating the crop across 1.14 lakh hectares in 2024-25 and producing 45 lakh tonnes. Major growing districts include Erode, Theni, Tuticorin, Coimbatore, and Trichy.

Nationwide, India cultivated bananas on 9.02 lakh hectares during 2024-25, producing 383 lakh tonnes. The crop plays a significant role in food security and provides income for farming households across the country.