Impact of the Iran-Israel Conflict on Banana Export Farmers in Rural Pune District

Agricultural exports are a key driver of rural economic development in India, particularly for high-value perishable commodities such as bananas. The rural regions of Pune district, including Baramati, Indapur, and Daund, are actively engaged in banana production and exports to Middle East markets. However, the recent Iran–Israel conflict has created significant disruptions in global trade, affecting transportation routes, logistics networks, and market demand. This study aims to analyze the impact of the conflict on banana export farmers in rural Pune district, with a focus on export volume, price realization, farmer income, logistics challenges, and marketing strategies. The research adopts an exploratory and descriptive design and is based on primary data collected from 60 banana farmers through structured questionnaires and interviews. Secondary data from reports and literature were also used to support the analysis. Statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean scores, and hypothesis testing using SPSS were applied to evaluate the impact of geopolitical disruptions on export performance and farmer profitability. The findings indicate that a majority of farmers experienced a decline in export volume (76.7%) and income (75%) due to shipment delays, increased transportation costs, and reduced demand in Middle East markets. Significant logistics challenges, including delays and rising freight costs, were reported, affecting the quality and timely delivery of perishable produce. Farmers responded by shifting towards domestic markets and exploring alternative export destinations. Hypothesis testing further confirmed that the conflict has a statistically significant impact on export volume (p = 0.0045), profitability (p = 0.0028), and marketing and supply chain strategies (p = 0.0071). The study concludes that geopolitical conflicts pose serious risks to export-oriented agricultural systems, especially for perishable commodities like bananas. It highlights the need for market diversification, improved logistics infrastructure, and supportive government policies to enhance the resilience of farmers. The research contributes to the field of agricultural marketing and provides practical insights for managing global trade uncertainties in rural farming contexts.