Banana industry
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).
Thottiyam
Thottiyam is essentially an agricultural area; its main crops are paddy, plantains and petals. Large quantities of plantains and petals are sent to other States, including exports to Middle East. Thottiyam is one largest producer of Banana Fruit in Tamilnadu. Banana is one of the fruit with short life span of few days. The Banana Farmers in this region faced frequent issue of price drop and wastage due to short life span to over come this issue the farmers of Thottiyam region formed a farmers self help group known as Thottiam Banana Producer Group to produce value added products from Banana under the brand name of Madhur Fruits and producing Solar dried banana, Banana Chocolates, Banana Cookies and Banana Powders from fresh bananas. This products were marketed under brand name of Madhur Fruits and available throughout India and outside of India.