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Introduction After rice, wheat and milk products, based on gross value, banana is considered to be the fourth most important food crop in world. Banana is being cultivated in India from antiquity, It has a great socio – economic significane and is closely interwoven in our national heritage. Banana is a rich source of starch, mineral and vitamins and thus makes very good food for babies. Banana is also useful in managing patients with high blood pressure and heart diseases as it contains low amount of sodium, very little fat and no cholestrol,. It is also good for arthritis, kidney diseases, ulcer and gastro-enteritis.

 

Banana in India, is grown in varying agro climatic conditions having various production systems and cultivars. On a commercial scale it is being cultivated mainly in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Some inferior types of banana are also found growing as far north as the Himalayas. Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat together contribute over 62 per cent to the country's total banana production. Other major producing states, are Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.

Banana is a moisture- and heat-loving plant and cannot tolerate frost or arid conditions.

One of the factors associated with increased production and productivity is the adoption of high-density planting. A density of 3,000-4,500 plants/ha is practiced, 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 higher grade fruits integration of density and other management system is needed.

Banana needs 150-200 g N, 40-60 g P₂O₅ and 200-300 g K₂O/plant/year. Full dose of P₂O₅ at the time of planting, 4 splits of N and K before the start of reproductive phase have been recommended. However, studies conducted at different locations have clearly indicated necessity of application of one-fourth N and one-third K₂O at reproductive phase. Application of N in reproductive phase delayed the senescence of leaves and improved the bunch weight. Finger filling was better when the one-third of K2O was applied at shooting stage. In field experiments application of 25% N through compost 2 kg cake and 50% N as inorganic source recorded sustainable production. Nematode population was significantly reduced in plots receiving neem-cake. Response to Zn, Bo and Mn sprays has been observed. To integrate the nutrient needs based on plant analysis has been attempted. Leaf nutrients ranges are worked out but there is need for its refinement for the effective utilization of the information in integrated management of soil and plant nutrition. Sodium toxicity is observed in sodic soils and there is a differential response of the cultivars.

The banana-plants require very heavy irrigation for optimum productivity. Irrigation is given in most places once in seven to ten days. However stagnation of water in the soil is not very congenial to the proper growth of banana and, hence, the drainage of soil is also essential. Water requirement ranges between 1, 500 and 2,000 mm per year. The consumptive use of water is 3-6 mm per day, depending on cultivar and weather conditions.

Experts point out that no supplementary irrigation is needed in humid tropics with well-distributed rainfall of 25 mm per week. Growth and initial reproductive phases are most critical to soil moisture. Among the methods of irrigation, drip irrigation induced earliness and improved yield as well as saved 40-45% water. Drip irrigation is widely adopted especially in low-rainfall area. Mulching using sugarcane trash 5-6 tonnes/ha has been recommended for better production. Polythene mulch was also found beneficial for conserving moisture.

The propping of plants with bamboo poles, especially those which have thrown out bunches, is necessary wherever damage by wind is apprehended. Where the wind damage is recurring, dwarf varieties should be preferred.

Early varieties commence flowering in southern and western India about seven months after planting, and the fruits take about three months more to ripen. In the Andhra Pradesh delta areas, the fruits are ready for harvesting about seven to eight months after planting. In other parts of India, the first crop is usually gathered a year after planting, whereas the succeeding crop may be ready in six to ten months thereafter.

The bunch is harvested just before it attains the ripening stage. When the fruits have reached the full size, they become plump, and mature with a distinct change in colour. For long transport, the bunch may be harvested somewhat earlier. The bunch is cut, retaining about 15 cm of the stem above the first hand.