India’s diverse weather and fertile soil offer the appropriate environment for growing numerous crops. One such crop is bananas. If you are starting a banana farming business in India, you can check the article below for a step-by-step guide to banana cultivation.
About Banana Farming:
Bananas are used for various purposes worldwide. They are shipped in large quantities, making them the only tropical fruit transported this way. Unlike other fruits, farmers can grow bananas across India. Banana cultivation provides steady income throughout the year, making it an economically important fruit crop in India.
The scientific name of the Banana plant is “Musa paradisiaca linn”. It belongs to the Musaceae family. Farmers usually cultivate this plant for food and fibre production. Banana fibers are used in the Textile industry.
Bananas are India’s second most consumed fruit after mango. Farmers in various states of India grow bananas. Some of these states are Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, and Bihar.
Banana Cultivation Process:
Banana farming involves various processes such as climate conditions, soil requirements, plantation time, insect-pests and disease management. Additionally it also includes irrigation techniques which are very important for this farming.
Climate Condition Requirements For Banana Cultivation:
- Banana is a tropical crop that thrives in temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 38ºC, with a RH of 75-85%.
- In India, this crop is grown in temperatures ranging from humid tropical to dry mild subtropical, using appropriate types such as Grandnaine.
- The average rainfall requirement for banana farming is between 650 and 750 mm.
- Farmers can grow Bananas throughout the year. However, it is good to start planting in May and June or between September and October. They should avoid banana planting during the extreme summer and winter seasons.
- As the bananas are very sensitive to waterlogging, the farmers must make sure that there is enough drainage in the land.
Which Soil is Best For Banana Farming?
Banana farming is best suited to loamy soils that drain well. Farmers should avoid the Alkaline and saline soils. A loamy soil with a combination of clay, sand, and humus is suitable for the banana plantation. If one grows the bananas in inadequately aerated, ill-drained soil, it will damage the banana plant.
Before beginning banana cultivation, the farmers should ensure that they check the soil. The pH of the soil has to be between 6.5 and 7.5. Also, the soil should be high in organic matter.
The land where the bananas will grow should be plowed 2-4 times. Anyone who is planning to start banana farming can use Mahindra mini tractors for ploughing. Mahindra mini tractor price starts from Rs. 3.20 – 6.20 Lakh in India.
Banana Plantation time:
A banana plant typically takes 9 to 12 months to develop and yield fruit. However, the actual length will vary depending on the sort of banana, growing situations, and weather. The best harvesting season for bananas is September to April.
Pests and Diseases Affecting the Banana Farming:
Various pests and diseases can harm banana plants, which results in lower production and quality of bananas. Banana pests include aphids, thrips, weevils, nematodes, and mites. These pests can damage the Banana plant by feasting on its tissues and spreading the disease.
That is why pest management tactics are vital for powerful pest control in bananas. These include making use of biological controls such as useful insects, cultural practices, and natural insecticides as required. Diseases such as Panama ailment and black Sigatoka can doubtlessly be critical risks to banana crops. Regular tracking and suitable interventions are crucial for preventing the spread of these diseases.
Irrigation Techniques to Use in Banana Cultivation:
Farmers should irrigate the banana plants immediately after planting. Every week, about 30-40 irrigations are necessary. When the summer temperature exceeds 37.5*C, watering every third day is needed. Inadequate watering of bananas causes delayed flowering, inconsistent bunch size, delayed maturity, diminished fingers, and poor fruit storage quality.
In Maharashtra, farmers use the drip system of irrigation in the majority of organic banana cultivation. This model scheme does not take into account the expense of drip installation.
Why Should You Add Bananas to Your Diet?
Here are the health benefits of eating bananas. They are as follows-
- Rich source of Vitamin B6.
- Good for skin and hair
- It improves kidney health.
- It improves blood sugar levels.
- Prevent constipation.
- It improves gut, kidney, and heart health.
- Helps in weight loss.
- Keep you feeling full.
Conclusion:
Banana farming is highly profitable for anyone who is planning to start this cultivation. Growing bananas has the potential to generate both financial and communal benefits. Farmers get self-employment opportunities as banana exporters and suppliers to beverage firms, as bananas feature in various products like mixed fruit salad, desserts, juice, and salad.
