Solapur, 11 Mar (HS): A large number of workers

employed for harvesting banana in Solapur, have been rendered jobless. Solapu,

particularly Kandar and Washimbe are considered a banana hub, exporting the fruit

to various countries in the Middle East.

The ongoing war between Israel and Iran involving US

and other countries in the region has badly affected export of banana. The

workers were employed for harvesting, packing and loading during the period.

The demand goes up during the Ramadan month. Solapur banana were being exported

to Iran, Iraq, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and other gulf countries.

Unless the Strait of Hormuz is cleared for cargo movement

export to these and many other countries cannot be restored. The plantation

farmers will also suffer huge losses as the fruit is perishable.

The workers from various villages have returned home

due to the situation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar