Bananas Production and export

2016 Production
millions of tonnes Country Bananas Plantains Total
India
29.1 29.1
China
13.1 13.1
Philippines
5.8 3.1 8.9
Ecuador
6.5 0.6 7.1
Indonesia
7.0 7.0
Brazil
6.8 6.8
Colombia
2.0 3.5 5.5
Cameroon
1.2 4.3 5.5
Uganda
0.6 3.7 4.3
Ghana
0.09 4.0 4.1
Guatemala
3.8 0.3 4.1
World
113.3 35.1 148.4
Source: FAOSTAT of the United Nations[74] Note: Some countries produce statistics
distinguishing between bananas and plantain production, but four of the top six
producers do not, requiring comparisons using the total for bananas and plantains
combined.

In 2016, world production of bananas and plantains was 148 million tonnes, led by
India and China with a combined total (only for bananas) of 28% of global
production (table). Other major producers were the Philippines, Ecuador, Indonesia,
and Brazil, together accounting for 20% of the world total of bananas and plantains
(table).

As reported for 2013, total world exports were 20 million tonnes of bananas and
859,000 tonnes of plantains.[75] Ecuador and the Philippines were the leading
exporters with 5.4 and 3.3 million tonnes, respectively, and the Dominican Republic
was the leading exporter of plantains with 210,350 tonnes.[75]
Developing countries

Bananas and plantains constitute a major staple food crop for millions of people in
developing countries.[69] In most tropical countries, green (unripe) bananas used
for cooking represent the main cultivars. Most producers are small-scale farmers
either for home consumption or local markets. Because bananas and plantains produce
fruit year-round, they provide a valuable food source during the hunger season
(when the food from one annual/semi-annual harvest has been consumed, and the next
is still to come). Bananas and plantains are important for global food security.
[76]