Banana farming is a highly promising and profitable part of Bangladesh's agriculture. Banana is a quick-bearing crop: fruit can be harvested within 9-12 months of planting. One hectare can produce about 25-30 tonnes of bananas, making it far more profitable than many other crops.

Banana is a familiar and popular fruit in Bangladesh, in demand all year round. It can be grown in almost any fertile soil, with good yields especially in sandy loam or loam. The country's warm, humid climate is ideal, and alongside domestic demand there is export potential, especially to the Middle East, Europe and some Asian countries.

Fertiliser plays a vital role in the first 20 days after planting, because this is when the base of the plant forms and the speed of root growth and the seedling's ability to establish are set. The right fertiliser at the right time means a better harvest later. The details for farmers are below.

Use the following in each pit, mixed into the soil 7-10 days before planting:

• Well-rotted cow dung: 10-12 kg
• TSP or DAP: 70-80 g
• Gypsum: 25-30 g
• Magnesium sulphate: 20 g
• Zinc sulphate: 5-10 g
• Boron: 5-10 g

All of the above should be mixed thoroughly with the soil.

Apply the following 15-20 days after planting, mixed into the soil 8-10 inches from the base of the plant:

• Urea: 50-60 g
• MoP (potash): 50-60 g
• Organic manure (if needed): another 2-3 kg of cow dung

If needed, a bio-fertiliser or root hormone can be used to help the plant grow faster.

Correct irrigation is very important for yield. The first irrigation should be given immediately after planting; it helps the base of the plant settle and supports early growth.

• Summer and drought: irrigate every 7-10 days.
• Winter: every 15-20 days.
• Monsoon: natural rainfall is enough, but drain off any excess water.
• Fruiting (flowering and bunch formation): give enough water, as the growing fruit needs more.
• Drainage: keep drains or channels so water does not stand in the field, as standing water can rot the plants. Drainage and weed control are important early on.

Caution: urea applied straight after planting can burn the plants, so wait 15 days. Beware of waterlogging, which banana plants cannot tolerate.

If farmers get proper training, use of technology and market management, banana farming can make a significant contribution to Bangladesh's economy.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.