Bananas and Food Security - Bioversity International

218 Les productions bananières / Bananas and food security – Session 1
Planting season
Planting can be done depending on the weather parameters like temperature, humidity,
rainfall, wind speed etc. Avoid planting in winter, as low temperature arrest growth and
yield potential of the crop.
Plant population
It depends on a number of factors such as cultivar, topography, soil fertility, running or
desuckering practice economics and various aspects of management. High density
planting in banana with 4444 plants per ha is gaining popularity in commercial
plantation in Maharastra.
In vitro propagation
Success in in vitro propagation of banana has been achieved and this method is
becoming a commercial reality. Adoption of drip irrigation and better management
system has resulted in enhanced return from in vitro plants. Uniformity in flowering and
uniformity at harvest of in vitro plants have been demonstrated at different locations.
High density planting
One of the factors associated with increased production and productivity is the adoption
of high-density planting. A density of 3000-4500 plants/ha is practised, depending on soil
type and cultivars. Double-row system of planting has been found economical and is
adopted in Maharashtra and Gujarat. In this system cost on laterals is considerably
reduced. However, high density is detrimental to fruit quality. For high-grade fruits
integration of density and other management system is needed.
Land preparation
Prior to planting banana, grow the green manure with a leguminous crop for improving
the soil fertility. Take the pits prior to planting and allow the soil to dry in the hot sun.
Suckers are planted in the pit in such a way rhizome is placed at 25 to 30 cm below the
ground level. Manuring in the pits at the time of planting is recommended to give a good
start to the newly planted suckers. Well decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) www 20
kg per pit must be applied before planting suckers and immediately after planting
irrigation should be given.
Cultural practices
Fertiliser application
By nature banana is a heavy consumer of nutrients for its optimal growth and
production, consuming 20-30% of the cost involved in production. The application of
adequate fertilisers increases production and improves grade of fruits. Response to
nitrogen application in increasing yield of banana is universal. Choice and quantity of