Future of global banana production hanging in the balance as climate crisis deepens
Climate change has become one of the greatest threats to humanity (possibly the most pressing). Global anthropogenic activities have caused the climate emergency to deepen to unprecedented levels, putting all living beings on the planet in danger.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service recently confirmed last month as the hottest February ever. In addition, it earlier raised concerns over a hottest January and, before that, confirmed 2023 as the hottest year on record.
One of the global community’s favourite fruit, unfortunately, has got caught in the damage. Banana production is feeling the heat – quite literally. If things go unchecked, there is a rising possibility of an alarming consumer crisis unfolding, experts have stressed.
The yellow fruit has long been a staple in households across the globe. In India, the most populous country, many regard bananas as the second-most important food crop, next to mango, due to its year-round availability, diverse varieties and affordability.
But bananas are in danger due to climate change
Extreme events and global heating
A chain of recent events is signalling trouble ahead. For instance, the UK has lately been experiencing significant supply chain disruptions due to shipping delays brought by stormy seas. The country imports about five billion bananas annually.
Such short-term disruptions may not be a major cause of concern, but experts fear they are indicative of a larger issue looming on the horizon. Severe natural events like storms and rising temperatures have been affecting banana production globally.
Major fungal disease
Besides the aforementioned threats, there is a bigger danger too. Bananas are being threatened by a rise in a fungal disease, Fusarium Wilt TR4 – another byproduct of climate change-led global heating. Once it catches hold of a plantation, the disease spreads rapidly.
Labour shortages and rising energy costs
Unfortunately, the challenges to banana production don’t end here. Rising cost of fertilisers, energy and labour, plus a shortage of labourers, is further impacting the industry. These factors contribute to an inevitable higher banana prices, eventually hitting consumers.
Need for certification and compliance
Moreover, since consumers are increasingly focusing on environmentally and socially responsible products, sustainability has come to the forefront of discussions. Producers adapting to these demands are facing the burden of certification and compliance.
These sustainability-related expenses ultimately trickle downwards, impacting consumers’ pockets. But even if cumbersome, experts stress that these regulations are important to ensure the long-term viability of banana production.
The Fourth Global Conference of the World Banana Forum ended in Rome, Italy, on March 13, letting stakeholders from across the industry debate over the pressing issues. But one thing is certain: the global banana industry is ripe for change in the face of the climate crisis.
