International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Santhoshkumar A, Vinith K, Thirumeninathan S, Sobika R, Pandiammal T, Ragasudha G and Sowmiya M

abstract
Banana, often referred to as the “poor man’s apple” and the “fruit of the wise men,” plays a vital role in India’s rural economy. This study analyzes trends in banana cultivation over 21 years (2002-03 to 2022-23), focusing on area, production, and productivity using Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI), and decomposition analysis. Results show annual growth rates of 3.63% in area, 5.61% in production, and 1.92% in productivity. CDVI indicates production (24.47%) is more inconsistent than area (14.63%) and productivity (19.26%). Decomposition analysis shows that area expansion (62.13%) contributed more to production growth than productivity (20.82%). Thus, to sustain production without increasing land use, productivity can be improved through better cultivation practices and technologies.