Pune: Pritesh Madhukar Bharne, a progressive farmer from Narutwadi, has achieved remarkable success in banana farming, earning over ₹50 lakh by cultivating export-quality bananas on seven acres using advanced agricultural techniques. His high-quality produce has attracted Iranian banana traders, leading to direct exports to Iran.
A Record-Breaking Harvest Using Modern Techniques
Bharne, an MBA graduate, has set a new benchmark in banana production. He sourced Jain Company’s banana saplings from Jalgaon and planted them in March 2024 using 7x5 spacing. Implementing drip irrigation, timely fertilization, and proper pest management, he successfully cultivated high-quality, export-ready bananas.
200 Tons of Bananas Exported to Iran
After careful farm inspections, traders Akash Mangwade and Pradeep Jagtap facilitated the export of 200 tons of bananas to Iran. Bharne’s farming efforts were guided by his father Madhukar Bharne, brother of Sports Minister Dattatraya Bharne, and supported by agriculture experts Somnath Nayakude and Vivek Narute.
Traders Praise High-Quality Bananas, Offer Premium Prices
Banana traders have highly appreciated Bharne’s produce, offering a premium price of ₹27 to ₹30 per kilogram. His total estimated yield is 225 tons, with 200 tons already exported and the remaining produce still being sold.
Financial Success: ₹60 Lakh Expected Revenue
Bharne’s total earnings from banana exports are expected to cross ₹60 lakh, ensuring a significant profit after deducting expenses.
Key Strategies for Successful Banana Farming
Bharne attributes his success to:
Use of organic fertilizers
Proper fertilization schedule
Timely pesticide spraying
Controlling the number of banana bunches per plant for high-quality fruit
Removing smaller underdeveloped bunches early
Regular discussions with experienced banana farmers
Iranian Traders Offer ₹27-₹30 per Kg for Export-Quality Bananas
Iranian traders who visited Bharne’s farm were impressed by the fruit quality, offering ₹27 to ₹30 per kg. Each banana bunch weighs between 45 to 51 kg. So far, Bharne has earned ₹50 lakh, with an additional ₹10 lakh expected as sales continue.
"With a projected total yield of 225 tons, I anticipate revenue exceeding ₹60 lakh from my banana production."
– Pritesh Bharne, Farmer
