Integrated infrastructure push aims to boost farmer incomes and strengthen export-ready value chains

The Government of India has approved a Rs 200 crore Banana Cluster project in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, marking a significant step toward strengthening horticulture infrastructure and enhancing farmer incomes in one of the country’s key banana-producing regions. The initiative aims to create an integrated ecosystem spanning production, post-harvest management, processing, and export, reinforcing Jalgaon’s position as a key hub in India’s horticulture value chain.

The cluster will introduce advanced agricultural practices and infrastructure, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), mechanisation, bio-control measures, pre-cooling facilities, cold storage, ripening chambers, refrigerated logistics, and processing units. These interventions will be supported through existing government schemes such as the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, enabling improved efficiency and reduced post-harvest losses.

The initiative also seeks to address structural challenges in agricultural markets, particularly the gap between farmgate prices and retail prices. Efforts are underway to develop mechanisms that ensure better price realisation for farmers, including alternative compensation models for perishable crops that fall outside traditional procurement frameworks.

In parallel, the government is evaluating price support mechanisms under schemes such as PM-AASHA to protect farmers from market volatility, while promoting diversified and resilient income streams. The cluster is expected to enhance market linkages, streamline supply chains, and create new opportunities in domestic and export markets.

Alongside infrastructure development, there is a renewed policy emphasis on sustainable farming practices, with a push toward natural farming to improve soil health, reduce chemical dependency, and ensure long-term agricultural productivity. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to build a more resilient, value-driven, and globally competitive horticulture sector.