India: Banana boom in state's sugar bowl

June 23, 2009 - The Economic Times

As the uncertainty over sugarcane prices plays havoc with growers, an increasing number of farmers in the state’s sugar bowl of western Maharashtra are turning to banana plantation since it offers more consistent returns. Maharashtra is the country’s leader in banana production with an estimated 87,000 hectare area under cultivation. The Union government has declared eight districts in ... read more...