GUIDE TO BANANA FARMING FOR PROFITS

Banana farming has gained popularity worldwide due to its high-profit yield. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer or planning large-scale cultivation, following these guidelines can help you establish a successful banana farm:

Guide to Banana Farming: Banana Farming for Profits

1. Starting Banana Farming:

a) Research 

Conduct in-depth research to understand what to expect and manage your expectations.

Learn about diseases, pests, water requirements, labor costs, and other expenses associated with banana farming.  

b)  Varieties and Spacing: 

Spacing depends on the variety, soil fertility, and rainfall availability:

-Short varieties (Dwarf Cavendish, Giant Cavendish): 2.5 m × 3 m.

-Medium varieties (Valery, Williams): 3.0 m × 4.0 m.

-Tall varieties (Lacatan, Poyo): 4.0 m × 4.0 m.

 c)  Seedling Knowledge and Purchase:

Opt for tissue culture banana seedlings because they are of:

High quality, disease-free, early maturing, healthy, and high yielding.

Suppliers in Kenya include JKUAT, KARLO (Old KARI), Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, and Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre. Seedlings cost between Ksh 150-200.

2. Land Preparation:  

Ensure the land has well-nourished soil.

It should provide at least 12 hours of sunlight for optimal growth.

Soil should be slightly acidic to alkaline with a suitable pH.

  NOTE: Successful banana farming requires careful planning and attention to detail. 

 A simplified guide to planting and caring for banana plants

 Planting the Banana Plant:

• Make a hole measuring 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet & Separate the topsoil from the subsoil.

• With the topsoil, put 1 debe of well rotten farm yard manure and a handful of planting fertilizers like DAP / TSP fertilizer. This accelerates the growth of pseudostems.

• Add two matchboxes of Meticode or Nemacur nematicide to stop nematodes. Mix the topsoil with manure, nematicide, and fertilizers well

• Fill back the hole with the above mixture then follow the sub-soil & plant the seedling in the center of the hole

• Mulch the seedling with dry grass & Water every week.

Routine Management Practices:

1. Fertilisation

Apply manure twice a year per tree during short and long rains.

Top dress with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) annually.

Cultivate shallowly to avoid damaging shallow roots.

Mulch with grass or banana leaves to suppress weeds and retain moisture

 2. Pruning and Staking:

○Pruning helps achieve bigger, higher-quality bunches and manages sucker growth.

○ Remove dead leaves at least twice a year and yellow leaves frequently to promote proper growth of younger leaves.

○ After harvesting, cut off the pseudo-stem at ground level.

○ Stake the fruit-bearing pseudo-stem to prevent breakage from heavy bunches:

■ Dig a hole 40 - 60 cm deep at the base of the stem and install a wooden prop.

■ Tie the bunch to the prop near where the fruit stalk emerges using Y-sticks.

3. Banana Stool Management:

○ In one hole, keep a maximum of 4 suckers (mother, daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter).

○Regularly remove surplus suckers to prevent competition for space and nutrients.

BANANA STOOL MANAGEMENT

4. Irrigation:

○ Water bananas regularly for maximum productivity.

○ Irrigate twice a week, but note that banana roots have poor water retention.

○ Drip irrigation is preferred to minimize farm movement and disease spread.

5. Windbreaks:

○ Plant bananas in sheltered positions or blocks (not strips) to protect against strong winds.

○ When planted in blocks, the plants shield each other from wind damage.

6. Crop Rotation:

○ Rotate your banana field after 8 years (or 5 years for poorly managed fields).

7.  Banana Pests and Diseases: 

○ Weevils: These pests eat banana stems, causing the trees to fall. To prevent weevil spread, dig up and burn infected trees.

○ Nematodes: Nematodes attack banana roots. Use a nematicide powder (like Meticode or Nemacur) during planting. Remove infected stems and avoid intercropping bananas with maize, cowpeas, or sorghum.

○ Black Sigatoka Disease: This disease causes yellowing of leaves, resulting in small bunches. Use resistant banana varieties and remove infected leaves.

8. Maturity and Harvesting:  

○ Bananas are ready for harvesting after 12-15 months.

○ Look for a light, shiny appearance as an indicator of ripeness.

○ Each banana stem produces one bunch weighing up to 95 kg.

9.  Handling After Harvest:  

○ Bananas are delicate; handle them carefully.

○ For export markets, place harvested bananas in a cold room immediately.

10.  Yield and Bunch Weight:  

○ Under good management, yields of up to 14 tons per acre per year are possible.

○ Covering bunches with cloth or polythene protects from sun, wind, and dust, increasing yield and fruit quality.

○ Covered bunches also raise the temperature, aiding early maturation. Flowers continue to develop after the first opening. 

COVERING OF BANANAS WITH POLYTHENE

Remember these practices to ensure successful banana farming!

 A comprehensive overview of banana cultivation, including capital requirements and estimated profits:

1. Banana Farming in Kenya:

Kenya is a leading banana-producing country in Africa.

Bananas are essential for food and income in western, central, and parts of eastern Kenya.

The Kisii region produces cooking varieties, while central and eastern regions grow dessert varieties.

Unlike other East African countries, Kenyan consumers prefer ripe dessert bananas.

Meru County is the largest banana producer in Kenya.

Banana farming is mainly on a small scale, with small-scale farmers contributing to the local food supply.

2. Varieties and Yields (Per Acre):

Cavendish: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (widely grown for export markets).

Grand Naine: 25,000 – 35,000 kg (similar to Cavendish, known for sweetness).

FHIA-17: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (dual-purpose, resistant to Panama disease and weevils).

Lady Finger: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (smaller and sweeter than Cavendish).

Pisang Awak: 18,000 – 28,000 kg (primarily used for cooking due to firmness).

Gros Michel: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (once popular but susceptible to Panama disease).

Valery: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (similar to Cavendish, known for its sweet taste).

Apple Banana: 20,000 – 30,000 kg (distinctive apple-like flavor when ripe).

Ng’ombe: 18,000 – 28,000 kg (popular for cooking due to starchy texture).

3. Profit Estimation:

At an average selling price of Sh15 per kilogram:

A farmer can make Sh960,000 annually from bananas planted on a quarter acre.

Total costs (including manure, fertilizer, and labor) average Sh360,000 per year.

Net profit for the farmer is approximately Sh600,000.

These estimates can vary based on factors such as local market conditions, production practices, and specific banana varieties. For a more accurate assessment, create a detailed budget tailored to your situation.

Sources: 

1. Ripe for the picking: How to make Sh600,000 a year from bananas

2. Banana Farming In Kenya; A Comprehensive Cultivation Guide

3. The rise and rise of banana farming in Kenya

4. Peeling Off Your Money From Banana Farming – Oxfarm Organic Ltd

5. How to start a Banana farming business - FarmKenya Initiative

6. Training of Trainers’ Manual - KALRO