Banana farming in Maharashtra

Banana (also called as kela in hindi and Marathi) farming can be very profitable if done properly. Here is some important information related to Banana Farming.

1. Site Selection:

• Choose a site with well-drained, fertile soil and good sunlight exposure. Bananas thrive in loamy soils with good organic matter content.

2. Variety Selection:

• Select suitable banana varieties based on factors such as market demand, climate, and disease resistance. Common varieties in Maharashtra include Grand Naine, Robusta, and Dwarf Cavendish.

3. Land Preparation:

• Prepare the land by plowing and leveling it. Remove weeds and debris from the field.

4. Weather Requirements:

• Bananas require a tropical or subtropical climate with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). They are sensitive to frost and extreme cold, which can damage the plants.

5. Planting:

-Each sapling will cost around Rs 15 to Rs 20. Plant banana suckers or tissue-cultured plantlets at a spacing of around 4 feet between plants and 8 feet between rows. Ensure that the planting holes are deep enough to accommodate the root system. Around 1000 suckers can be planted in a acre.

6. Soil pH and Fertilization:

• Bananas prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content. Adjust the soil pH if necessary using agricultural lime or sulfur.
• Apply well-balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For example, apply 500 grams of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer per plant in split doses during the growing season.

7. Irrigation:

• Provide regular and sufficient irrigation to ensure consistent soil moisture. Drip irrigation is commonly used to avoid waterlogging and minimize water wastage.

8. Mulching:

• Mulch the base of banana plants with organic materials like straw or dried leaves to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients to the soil.

9. Weed Control:

• Regularly weed the banana plantation to prevent competition for nutrients and space. Avoid using herbicides close to the banana plants.

10. Disease and Pest Management:

• Monitor the plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases, such as Black Sigatoka, Panama disease or banana aphids. Plants need to protected from mosquito bites. Implement appropriate control measures, including the use of organic pesticides if necessary.

11. Support and Propping:

• As the banana plants grow, provide support by propping the stems to prevent toppling due to heavy fruits and strong winds.

12. Fruit Bagging:

• Bagging the banana bunches with special covers helps protect them from pests and diseases, as well as improves fruit quality.

13. Harvesting:

• Banana harvesting starts 12 months after planting. Harvest bananas when they have attained the desired size and color. Cut the bunches with a sharp knife and handle them carefully to avoid damage. A single bunch of banana has 140 to 180 bananas on average and weighs approximately 40-50 kg.

14. Post-Harvest Handling:

• After harvest, remove any remaining plant material and dispose of it properly. Pack the bananas carefully for transportation to the market or storage.

15. Cost and Profit:

• Cost per acre is around 2 lakhs. Yield is around 40 ton per acre. So gross income is 6 lakh per acre (40000 x Rs. 15 per kg). So net profit is 4 lakhs per acre. In worst case scenario, you can earn at least 2 lakhs per acre.

By considering the weather conditions, providing proper fertilization and soil pH adjustment, and implementing appropriate irrigation and pest management practices, banana farming in Maharashtra can be a successful and rewarding endeavor for farmers.