W10 Banana Update: Pakistan Implements Export Ban on Bananas and Onions During Ramadan, Panama Disease Devastates Banana Cultivation in Bangladesh, and Thailand Considers Increased Banana Import Quota Under Economic Partnership Agreement

Published 2024년 3월 12일

In W10 in the banana landscape, Pakistan has banned banana and onion exports to control rising costs during Ramadan, halting exports to Afghanistan and Iran and restricting onion exports to Gulf nations. Meanwhile, Thailand is considering an increased import quota for bananas under JTEPA. A new banana plant variety with unique genetic traits has been discovered in Salalah, Oman. Lastly, Panama disease has severely impacted banana cultivation in Ishwardi, Bangladesh, and Paraguay is exporting 26 tons of bananas to Chile.In W10 in the banana landscape, Pakistan has banned banana and onion exports to control rising costs during Ramadan, halting exports to Afghanistan and Iran and restricting onion exports to Gulf nations. Meanwhile, Thailand is considering an increased import quota for bananas under JTEPA. A new banana plant variety with unique genetic traits has been discovered in Salalah, Oman. Lastly, Panama disease has severely impacted banana cultivation in Ishwardi, Bangladesh, and Paraguay is exporting 26 tons of bananas to Chile.

Pakistan Bans Banana and Onion Exports to Curb Rising Costs During Ramadan

Pakistan's government has banned the export of bananas and onions to control rising costs during Ramadan. The Chief Secretary of Punjab urged a total ban, halting exports to Afghanistan and Iran and restricting onion exports to Gulf nations. The policy aims to stabilize the domestic market and protect consumers from price spikes. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported 5.25% and 2.87% increases in weekly inflation figures, highlighting the urgency of these export limitations.

Japan to Consider Increased Import Quota for Thai Bananas

Thailand has expressed interest in expanding its tariff exemption for up to 8 thousand metric tons (mt) of bananas under the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA). The Thai trade representative suggested requesting an increase to 100 thousand mt once the initial limit is reached. Japan's Vice-Minister for International Affairs expressed openness to considering the quota increase. Furthermore, the Thai trade representative also invited Japan to participate in the upcoming International Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani province, Thailand, in 2026.

New Banana Plant Variety Discovered in Salalah, Oman

A farm in Salalah, Oman, has identified a new variety of banana plants, which they have named the Razat banana. This variety exhibits unique genetic traits and is particularly well-suited to thrive in the local environmental conditions of Oman. The new banana variant features a shorter stem for the flower, better protection against wind damage, and more effective fruit cluster support. Genetic analysis confirmed the stability of these traits, distinguishing it from its Williams predecessor. The Razat banana exhibits robust leaves, accelerates harvest by three weeks, and produces bananas on heavier, straighter stems. This discovery holds promise for scientific research and economic development in Oman.

Impact of Panama Disease on Banana Cultivation in Ishwardi, Bangladesh

Panama disease has severely impacted banana plantations in Ishwardi, Pabna district in Bangladesh, affecting 1.84 thousand hectares (ha) of cultivation. Caused by Fusarium oxysporum, the disease has caused significant crop losses, including browning and shriveling of leaves and rotting stems. Despite banana farmers' efforts to manage the disease, agricultural officials have deemed it insufficient, and no varieties are resistant to the disease. The authorities recommend burning diseased trees and rotating crops to manage soil health. The impact on Ishwardi's rural economy is significant, as banana cultivation has historically supported financial self-reliance among farmers.

Paraguay's Banana Export to Chile Delayed by 15 Days Due to Saturated Market

The first export of 26 tons of Paraguayan bananas to Chile has been delayed by 15 days due to a saturated trans-Andean market and an oversupply of bananas in Chile. The shipment, produced by Misionero S.R.L farm in Vy'a Renda, San Pedro, meets Chile's stringent requirement of zero presence of cochineal, a common banana pest. The move comes after Paraguay's Ministry of Agriculture authorized banana exports to Chile, a market worth USD 220 to 230 million annually, following a successful phytosanitary certification process.