1. Buying Seedlings
Start with tissue culture banana seedlings, which are high-quality, uniform, and free from common diseases. These seedlings give farmers better yields compared to traditional suckers.
2. Land Conditions and Preparation
Bananas thrive in areas 800 meters above sea level and higher, with at least 1,000 mm of evenly distributed rainfall per year. However, don’t depend on rainfall alone—irrigation is essential for consistent results.
- Prepare your land by ploughing and leveling.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and fertile.
3. Planting
- Dig pits measuring 3 ft wide × 3 ft deep.
- Mix well-drained soil with dry composted manure, DAP fertilizer, and nematicide (to protect against nematodes).
- Place the plantlet about 30 cm deep in the pit, firming the soil around it to ensure good root contact.
- Maintain 3-meter spacing between holes (about 450 plants per acre).
4. Irrigation
- Water at least twice a week; drip irrigation is best to reduce movement in the field and limit pest spread.
- Apply dry mulch around the base of each plant to conserve soil moisture and reduce evaporation.
5. Pest and Disease Management
Tissue culture bananas are naturally resistant to many viral and bacterial diseases.
- At planting, apply an anti-nematode treatment.
- Regularly monitor the farm for pests, and practice good hygiene to avoid introducing infections.
6. Sucker Management
Banana plants produce suckers (young shoots).
- Limit to a maximum of 4 suckers per hole.
- Remove excess suckers regularly to avoid overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
7. Harvesting
Bananas are ready for harvest in 15–18 months.
- Look for a shiny, light green peel as a sign of maturity.
- Each stem produces one bunch, weighing up to 95 kg.
Profit Potential
With proper management, tissue culture bananas can provide high yields and consistent income, making them one of the most profitable crops for small and large-scale farmers alike.
