Banana cultivation is becoming an important and profitable option for the farmers of Bihar. The climate and fertile soil of the state is considered highly favorable for banana cultivation. Especially the banana of Hajipur region of Bihar is famous across the country for its quality and sweetness.
Banana cultivation scenario in India
According to the data of 2022-23 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, banana is cultivated in 998.55 thousand hectare area in India. It produces 36,666.87 thousand metric tons, and the national productivity is 36.72 metric tons per hectare. At the same time, in Bihar, banana was cultivated in 44.08 thousand hectares, which produced 2004.27 thousand metric tons. The state’s productivity was 45.46 metric tons per hectare, which is higher than the national average.
Contribution to the state’s economy
Banana cultivation plays an important role in the economy of Bihar. It not only provides economic security to the farmers but also increases the agricultural production of the state. Banana cultivation is done on a large scale in areas like Vaishali and Kosi region.
Red banana: a new possibility
According to scientists of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, two main species of banana, red and yellow, are grown in the country. Red banana is more popular in South India, where it sells for Rs 100-150 per dozen. Keeping in mind its medicinal and nutritional properties, research on red banana cultivation has been started in Bihar.
Scientific Perspectives and Possibilities
Scientists believe that banana is a tropical fruit, which gives excellent yield in hot and humid climate. Farmers of Bihar do farming using both traditional and scientific methods. In Vaishali region, tall species of bananas are cultivated traditionally, whereas in Kosi region, dwarf species are cultivated using scientific methods.
Tissue culture will increase yield
Scientists have suggested that plants of tall species of bananas like Malbhog, Alpan and Doodh Sagar should be prepared through tissue culture technique. This will improve the yield and farmers will get more profits.
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