On November 25, South Central Railway (SCR) loaded banana stocks from Tadipatri in the Guntakal division of Andhra Pradesh. In collaboration with the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), SCR dispatched the first train carrying bananas to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai.

"From JNPT, the bananas will be exported to Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. This marks the first shipment of the season," said SCR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) A. Sridhar.

The export train, carrying 680 tonnes of bananas, was loaded by S.K. Exports, a prominent fruit exporter. "With the unwavering support of Indian Railways, CONCOR ensures reliable and efficient transportation of bananas, which are in high demand," the CPRO added, instilling a sense of national pride in the audience.

Mr Sridhar mentioned that the exporter has a network of about 20,000 farmers, helping them cultivate quality yields, training them in the latest agricultural technology, and offering the best prices.

"SCR and CONCOR are supplying high-quality bananas from India to international traders, benefiting local farmers by securing good prices for their produce," an officer from the Commercial Department of Indian Railways told The Hindu on Monday.

SCR officials also noted that Indian Railways is shipping mangoes and other fruits from various parts of Andhra Pradesh in addition to bananas.

"The successful export of bananas highlights the effective collaboration between local farmers, SCR, exporters, and CONCOR, contributing to India's economic growth," Mr Sridhar concluded.