Kolkata feels the heat as bananas vanish from markets amid climate crisis
Times of India | 14 May 2025
KOLKATA: A Christian Aid report warns of deepening threats to the world’s favourite fruit. Banana prices in Kolkata more than doubled in the first quarter of this year, with vendors and consumers alike grappling with a notable shortage of the popular fruit.Experts and farmers are pointing to a disturbing culprit: climate change.The scarcity is rooted in a deeper crisis unfolding across banana-growing districts in West Bengal and beyond. Yields dropped sharply due to prolonged high temperatures, erratic rainfall, and surging infestations—an alarming reflection of broader national and global trends.A new report by UK-based international charity Christian Aid warns that 60% of the world’s prime banana-growing regions are now under threat due to climate change. Titled "Going Bananas: How Climate Change Threatens the World’s Favourite Fruit," the report presents a sobering picture of how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and climate-sensitive pests and diseases are undermining global banana production.In India, the world’s biggest banana producer, where bananas are cultivated on nearly 20% of total cropland, farmers are facing severe challenges. In West Bengal, the situation has become untenable for many growers. “Our yield dropped drastically in the last few years due to prolonged high temperatures. Many banana farmers are now considering shifting to staple crops instead,” said Amzad Khan, a banana orchard owner in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas. “Despite higher market prices, farm-gate rates remain unviably low, causing us tremendous harm.”City consumers are feeling the pinch. “Bananas cost me less than Rs 2 each last year. This year, I can’t find one for less than Rs 5,” said Anirban Ghosh, a schoolteacher from Chetla.India remains the world’s largest banana producer, but ironically, not a major exporter—ranking only 12th globally by export value. Most of its produce is consumed domestically, with bananas used in everything from baby food and baked goods to dairy products and banana chips.The report highlights a surge in Panama disease (TR4 strain)—a fungal infection devastating entire plantations—and banana weevil infestations, both of which are made worse by rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns. Banana-producing states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and parts of West Bengal have seen yields plummet due to changes in monsoon patterns and the increased frequency of extreme weather. In Maharashtra, for instance, extreme rainfall events tripled since 1950, yet total annual rainfall declined, affecting irrigation and overall crop health.Globally, bananas are the fourth most important food crop—after wheat, rice, and maize—providing up to 27% of daily calories for more than 400 million people. Latin America and the Caribbean, which currently account for 80% of global banana exports, are expected to lose up to 60% of suitable banana-growing land by 2080, according to the report.Bananas require a narrow temperature range (15–35°C) and consistent water supply to thrive. Rising temperatures, water scarcity, and increased disease vulnerability threaten to make production unviable in key regions. Christian Aid is calling on wealthier nations to drastically cut emissions and deliver climate finance to farming communities on the frontlines of the crisis.“Banana growers are facing ever more precarious conditions as a consequence of climate change,” said Holly Woodward-Davey, Project Coordinator at Banana Link. “Without systemic change, we risk devastation from diseases like TR4, which can wipe out entire farms.”Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy and Campaigns at Christian Aid, added: “Bananas are not just the world’s favourite fruit—they are a vital source of food and income for millions. Countries must act now to cut emissions and ensure climate finance reaches those most affected.”The report urges consumers to support Fairtrade and organic bananas, which promote sustainable practices and help farmers build resilience. In the UK, which has one of the highest per capita banana consumption rates in Europe, this shift could make a significant impact. With mounting threats to one of the world’s most consumed fruits, the Christian Aid report serves as a stark reminder: without urgent action, bananas may become an unaffordable luxury for many—both in India and across the globe.Banana crisis in India: Key facts at a glanceClimate Change Impacts- Prolonged heatwaves and erratic monsoons lowering yields- Panama disease (TR4 strain) and banana weevils on the rise- Extreme rainfall events tripled in Maharashtra since 1950- Overall rainfall declining, affecting irrigationNational And Global Risk- Bananas are the 4th most important food crop globally- Over 400 million people depend on bananas for 15–27% of daily calories- 60% of global banana-growing regions at risk by 2080Urgent Action Needed- Emission cuts by wealthier nations- Climate finance to help farmers adapt- Fairtrade and organic support to promote sustainable production- Agro-tech solutions like drip irrigation and pest-resistant varieties in focus