BANANA FORMING HOW TO MAKE

Question

Sathiyavarsha K · Answer

Hello,Banana Farming: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Variety
Select a banana variety suitable for your region and market demand:

Variety	Features
Grand Naine (G-9)	Most popular, high yield, good for export
Robusta	Suitable for humid climate
Dwarf Cavendish	Early maturing, compact
Rasthali / Nendran	Preferred for local taste and processing

2. Soil & Climate Requirements
Soil: Well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter

pH: 6.5–7.5

Climate:

Warm, humid climate

Ideal temperature: 25–35°C

Avoid frost and heavy wind

3. Land Preparation
Deep ploughing (to remove weeds and pests)

Add FYM (Farm Yard Manure): 20–25 tons/acre

Prepare pits (1x1x1 ft) or ridges & furrows

4. Planting Material
Use:

Tissue Culture Plants (disease-free, uniform growth)

Or Suckers (traditional method)

Spacing:

G9 variety: 6 ft x 5 ft (approx. 1452 plants/acre)

5. Planting Time
Best in June–July or February–March

Avoid heavy rainfall period

6. Irrigation
Frequent light irrigation is best

Drip irrigation is ideal (saves water and gives better growth)

Don't overwater (banana roots are shallow)

7. Fertilizer Schedule (per plant/year):
Fertilizer	Dose (approximate)
Nitrogen (N)	200g
Phosphorus (P)	100g
Potash (K)	200g
FYM/Compost	10–15 kg per plant

Apply in 2–3 split doses throughout the growth period. Use vermicompost + biofertilizers for organic farming.

8. Intercultural Practices
Remove suckers regularly

Provide support to avoid lodging (especially during wind)

Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds

9. Pest & Disease Control
Problem	Control
Banana weevil, Nematodes	Apply neem cake + Carbofuran
Panama Wilt	Use tissue culture plants + proper drainage
Sigatoka leaf spot	Spray Copper Oxychloride or Mancozeb

10. Harvesting
Time: 11–12 months after planting

Harvest when fruits are mature but green

One plant = ~20–30 kg of bananas (depending on variety)

11. Post-Harvest and Marketing
Grade the fruits based on size & quality

Transport in ventilated crates

Banana can be sold in:

Local markets

Wholesalers / Exporters

Processing units (chips, powder, etc.)

Profit Tip:
Use contract farming or FPOs to get better price

Try banana intercropping with papaya, turmeric, or vegetables for more income