Banana is the only food crop giving the highest crop production of 30-40 tonnes per acre while potato gives ten tonnes and rice four tonnes per acre.
Banana is a sun loving plant with some varieties tolerating shade hence can be planted in mixed plantation with coconut and Arece nut palms. However, high yielding variety like robusta and cavendish need pure planting.
Climatic requirements
Banana is a tropical plant that grows very well in warm humid climate. It is successful in the temperature range of 10-40 degrees celsius and performs well from sea level to an elevation of 1500mm.
Bananas can grow in all types of soil and can tolerate slightly saline water. However, the well drained loamy soil is most suitable. They can perform well in medium black soil without water logging.
Pests and diseases
Pest and diseases in bananas are more likely to occur in black soil. They can take five healthy return crops in red soil while three return crops from black soil.
