Farming with banana is an easy and simple process and you can earn good profits. However, to achieve the desired amount of banana production requires:
* dedication to your banana farm;
* good yard management skills; and
* some basic knowledge about banana farming like sit selection, irrigation, care and management.
A banana tree produces at least 20kg banana fruit minimum per each blossom of banana, in a very short time period (approximately 150 days).
Health benefits of bananas:
1. Good for weight loss.
2. Banana fruits is good for the health of heart.
3. Bananas are excellent source of energy.
4. Excellent source of fiber.
5. Bananas are good for eye health and bones.
6. Long time consumption of banana fruit helps in stopping kidney cancer.
7. Banana fruit is also an excellent source of minerals and vitamins.
8. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and potassium.
Apart from this, banana tree raw materials are also in high demand and have plenty of application in our day to day life – banana leaves are used in preparing plates, seat pads for benches, umbrellas, clothing fabric, fishing lines and as cooking material in the kitchen.
The main feature of the banana fruit plant is that it can be cultivated throughout the year. The high technology methods for banana farming can improve both the yield and profit. The price of bananas does not fluctuate much in the market , but they tend to increase during important festivals and programs. Due attention and encouragement can help banana farming produce great wealth.
Factors Limiting Production:
There are a few factors that limit production of bananas in most countries. Some include inadequate farm lands and poor maintenance. Others are:
* pests;
* droughts;
* low rainfall;
* infestation;
* low access to organic fertilizers; and
* poor farming techniques.
Marketing
There is a huge market for banana produce locally and internationally. The fruit is used in manufacturing companies, restaurants, fruit markets and stalls. It has both domestic and international demands. The amount of money you make depends on the size of your harvest, quality of produce, price and location.
Land Preparation
Land development for banana plantation is followed by land preparation. This includes: ploughing, disking, harrowing, and planting. Bananas are susceptible to wind damage. Hence, it is highly desirable to plant wind breaks surrounding the plantation blocks. The tall ducasse banana variety is excellent wind breakers for commercial banana farms.
Weeding and Pest Control
Generally, weeds suppress the growth and reduce the total production by competing for water and nutrient. Hence, banana plants should be protected from weeds. Shallow cultivation in young plantation is advisable to control weeds. Pesticides spraying to minimize crop damage by various pests need to be carried out by daily laborers.
Irrigation
Irrigation is compulsory during dry months. Severe water stress limits the production and quality of fingers. In a hot low land area, irrigating the field in 8 – 10 days interval is accepted by growers.
Fertilization
Heavy applications of organic manures or fertilizers are considered necessary in order to get high yields and to extend the life of the banana plantation. DAP and Urea are the two most important in organic fertilizers which are commonly used in banana production.
IF YOU WANT TO SUCCEED IN THIS TYPE OF FARMING OPERATION YOU NEED TO START WITH A WELL STRUCTURED AND PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – NEED HELP IN THIS AREA CONTACT US Now at: (27)84 583 3143 OR money@global.co.za
