Banana and plantain, being the fourth important food crop in terms of gross value in the world, and the most important fruit crop in India, play a significant role in socio-economics across the globe. It contributes more than 2.8 per cent to GDP of agriculture in India and provides livelihood security to millions of people. There is a growing appreciation for the improvement of production and Utilization of this fruit to provide nutritional and food security to millions. India, with rich bio-diversity of banana and plantain, is the largest producer and consumer with estimated annual production of 19 million tones annually. Banana is interwoven in the national heritage and often referred to as Kalpatharu (plant of virtues), owing to its multi faceted uses.

Main production centers are confined to humid tropics, sub-tropics and arid tropics. The research and development efforts have resulted in improved production and productivity of banana, yet there are issues which require to be addressed collectively. Therefore, formation of an association was considered vital for catalyzing the efforts of researchers, entrepreneurs and growers to have effective interaction and dissemination of information. AIPUB Society is a non-profitable and non-commercial association. In India, Association for the Improvement in Production and Utilization of Banana (AIPUB) has been championing the cause of Banana. The association was founded during January, 1996 and functioning at National Research Centre for Banana at Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.