Banana Cultivation

About Banana:

• It is basically a tropical crop and the second most important fruit crop in India next to mango.
• Required Climatic Condition
  • Temperature: It grows well in a temperature range of 15ºC – 35ºC with relative humidity of 75-85%.
  • It prefers tropical humid lowlands and is grown from the sea level to an elevation of 2000m.
  • Soil: Deep, rich loamy soil with pH between 6.5 -7.5 is most preferred for banana cultivation. Soil for banana should have good drainage, adequate fertility and moisture. Saline solid, calcareous soils are not suitable for banana cultivation.
  • In India this crop is being cultivated in climate ranging from humid tropical to dry mild subtropics through selection of appropriate varieties. 
• Varieties cultivated in India : Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Monthan, Poovan, Nendran, Red banana, Nyali, Safed Velchi, Basrai, Ardhapuri, Rasthali, Karpurvalli, Karthali and Grand Naine etc.
• Major Producing states: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala etc.

Q1: What is Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)?

APEDA was established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985. It works under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Source:DDNews