Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Gurdaspur Farmer Cultivates Bananas, Finding Success in Punjab
A farmer from Gurdaspur, India, returned from Australia and started growing bananas on his land.
He was inspired by the high yield and profitability of the fruit in the Punjab climate.
After experimenting, he dedicated a portion of his land to banana farming.
With guidance from experts, he grows the G-9 banana variety, which yields a good profit.
The bananas are harvested and sold either raw or ripened.
He recommends intercropping to maximize land use and emphasizes the efficiency of banana farming, which requires less water and chemicals compared to traditional crops.
The farmer aims to show his sons, who are settled abroad, the potential of agriculture back home.
A Gurdaspur man returned from Australia and started a banana business.
He converted half of his 6-acre land into a banana orchard in 2023.
Satnam Singh earns between Rs 4 and 6 lakh per acre depending on yield and rates.
The G-9 variety of banana is planted in June or July and begins fruiting in June.
Singh recommends replacing plants after three years as fruiting becomes irregular.
- Who
- Satnam Singh.
- What
- A farmer started a banana business.
- When
- In 2023.
- Where
- Gurdaspur, Punjab, India.
- Why
- To challenge the perception of bananas not being commercially viable and showcase the potential of agriculture.
Initial Challenges
Overcoming Challenges
Market Acceptance
Initial Challenges
Initial buyers preferred bananas from Maharashtra and doubted color and taste.
Overcoming Challenges
After ripening in his chambers, color and taste were exceptional.
- Initial Investment
- Rs 1.5 lakh per acre
- Earnings per Acre
- Rs 4 to 6 lakh
- Banana Variety
- G-9
- Planting Time
- June or July
- Harvest Time
- September to October (raw) or January (ripened)
- Plant Spacing Recommendation
- 5x5 feet or 7x7 feet
- Water Usage
- 10 times less than paddy