Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices...Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices..2.. THE COMPANY Jain Irrigation (JISL) has a long history and its roots can be traced to a humble begin-ning

JainIrrigation Systems Ltd.

...Big Revolutions

HI-TECH BANANAPRODUCTION PRACTICES

HI-TECH BANANAPRODUCTION PRACTICES

CONTENTS*Sr. Particulars PageThe Company ....................................................................................................2Establishments ..................................................................................................31. Banana Status in India .............................................................................42. Production Technology ..............................................................................5

2.1 Climate ............................................................................................52.2 Soil ..................................................................................................52.3 Land Preparation .............................................................................52.4 Crop Geometry ................................................................................52.5 Variety ..............................................................................................62.6 Tissue Culture Planting Material ......................................................62.7 Planting ...........................................................................................72.8 Water Management .........................................................................82.9 Fertigation ...................................................................................... 112.10 Interculture Operation .................................................................... 152.11 Intercrops ....................................................................................... 162.12 Diseases and Pests .......................................................................162.13 Ratoon Crop ..................................................................................182.14 Harvesting .....................................................................................19

3. Fruit Processing ...................................................................................... 204. Economics of Tissue Culture Banana Cultivation ...................................22Annexure-1 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) .........................................23Annexure-2 – Our Products / Services ............................................................25Annexure-3 – JISL Network .............................................................................26

*Disclaimer : The package of practices given in this booklet is based on limited experimentaldata and need not be applicable to all banana growing areas.Therefore, the company does notguarantee the production levels mentioned in the booklet, in every location where the packageis adopted.The tissue culture banana plants are free from disease. However, disease incidence can takeplace after planting in the field. The company is not responsible for damage due to disease/any loss incurred by the farmer due to negligence, and weather or any other natural calamity.While every precaution is taken at the laboratory, green-house and shade house stage to checkoff-types, occurance of few off-types is not unusual. They may be removed from the field assoon as observed. The Company is not responsible for the loss due to off-types.

Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices ..2..

THE COMPANYJain Irrigation (JISL) has a long history and its roots can be traced to a humble begin-ning way back in 1962. Envisioned by the thought of establishing leadership in what-ever they do, and with a deep commitment for total customer satisfaction, JISL, today,is a one-stop-hi-tech agricultural shop with a turnover of about Rs.4000 mn i.e. US$ 80mn. For long JISL enjoyed leadership in manufacture and marketing of PVC pipes.JISL also pioneered drip irrigation in the country and ushered in application of Bio-technology in the field of agriculture.

Jalgaon, the ‘Banana Bowl of India’, has been traditionally growing conventional DwarfCavendish banana varieties, like Basrai, which had low yields and virtually no interna-tional market acceptance. JISL’s vision, as early as 1994-95, prompted it to identify, developand introduce new tissue cultured (TC) varieties which could eventually shine on the foreignmarket shelves. Williams, Zeleig, Robusta and Grand Naine varieties were tried and extensiveR&D effort went in to determine best local agro climatic planting season, suitable cropgeometry, preferred irrigation and fertigation systems with a view to achieve higher yieldsand optimal ratooning possibilities. On the overall scale of agronomic performance andsuitability, Grand Naine ultimately scored over all other TC varieties. The Table below givesa glimpse of JISL’s slow but spectacular foray into the tissue culture field:

Particulars 1994-95 2001-02Lab Area 1580 sft. 16000 sft.Capacity per year 0.5 3(Million plants)Manpower (Nos.) 15 100Contamination % > 8-10 < 2Production Actual 0.04(Million Plants) 1998-99 1.0 > 3.0Price / Plant (Rs.) 25.00 12.00

JISL's 1994 dream got realised in 2002 wherein 22 refrigerated containers of fresh GrandNaine bananas were exported. JISL is poised for adding production of tissue culture GrandNaine plantlets to the extent of a million a year in the coming years. It also plans to exportthese tissue cultured plantlets as well as fresh fruits to neighbouring countries.


Concept selling and missionary zeal have been the hallmarks of JISL’s approach to anIntegrated Agricultural Development. Having brought in over 7.5 lac acres under microirrigation to cover over 45 crops in a period of about a decade and also having providedthe farming community with a host of other agricultural hi-tech inputs, JISL today is bestsuited to provide turn-key solutions for agriculture combining conventional wisdom withthe latest technologies : it would range from wasteland development, water harvesting& water management technologies to crop selection under varied agro-climatic andagronomic conditions.

In order to complete the value chain, JISL has established state of art Vegetable Dehy-dration and Fruit Processing facilities. JISL’s ‘FarmFresh’ is a registered trade-mark inadvanced continents like Europe & USA. Its processed products are well accepted inall the five continents. The ISO-9000, HACCP & SGF-IRMA certifications ensure ad-herence to world-class practices.

Establishments

Drip and Sprinkler Irrigation, Plastic Piping,Sheet & Solar Water Heating System

Agri R&D cum Demo Farm &Banana Tissue Culture Lab

Fruit Processing Plant Onion and Vegetable Dehydration Plant

Jain Food Park Jain Food Park

Jain Plastic Park Jain Agri Park


BANANA STATUS IN INDIAIndia is the world's largest producer of Banana with 13.90 million tonnes followed byUganda (10.14 million tonnes)

Within the country, Banana ranks first in production and third in area (after Mango andCitrus fruits) among the fruit crops.

Occupying about 13% of the total area under fruits in India, Banana is grown in almostevery state.

Among the states, area under Banana is the highest in Tamilnadu (92,200 hectares) followedby Maharashtra (72,200 hectares). Productivity of Banana is the highest in Maharashtraat 60 metric tonnes per hectare followed by Tamil nadu at 52.70 metric tonnes per hectare.The all India average is 34.30 metric tones per hectare.

Jalgaon is the largest Banana district accounting for 16% of the area under Banana inthe country and 60% of the area in Maharashtra.

The area and productivity of Banana in different States are given below:

Table 1. Area and Productivity of Banana, Statewise in 1999-00States Area Productivity

('000 Ha) (MT/Ha.)Andhra Pradesh 48.50 25.00Assam 41.90 13.90Bihar 29.20 20.00Gujarat 34.20 32.40Karnataka 61.00 33.00Kerala 27.90 14.10Maharashtra 72.20 60.00Orissa 16.40 11.80Tamil Nadu 92.20 52.70West Bengal 18.80 17.50Others 49.50 24.30Total 491.80 34.30


PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY2.1 CLIMATE :

Banana grows well in regions with temperature ranging from 10 to 40°C. In coolerclimate the crop duration is extended and bunches are smaller. Low temperatures (lowerthan 10°C) are not suitable because they lead to a condition called “choke” or impededinflorescence and bunch development. Temperatures of 37°C or higher can cause leafscorch and higher soil temperatures affect growth. One of the serious limitations tobanana cultivation is high-velocity wind. When wind velocity exceeds 80 kmph it causesdamage to the plantation by uprooting the plants. The damage is more severe when theplants are laden with bunches.

2.2 SOIL:

Banana can be grown in almost all types of soils provided they have good water holdingcapacity and are well drained. Ill drained and poorly aerated, nutritionally deficient soilsare not suitable for Banana. The minimum soil depth necessary is about one meter.Soils exceeding pH 8.0 are not suitable. Banana can grow well in slightly alkaline soil,and in fact such soils are known to prevent incidence of Banana wilt.

2.3 LAND PREPARATION:

The land is prepared by deep ploughing and harrowing and soil is brought to a fine tilth.Farmyard manure is added @ 100 cartloads per hectare at the time of ploughing. Pitsof 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 m are dug at desired spacing.

2.4 CROP GEOMETRY:

Traditionally, growers in Maharashtra plant Banana at aspacing of 1.35 m x 1.35 m. With this high density planting,the plant growth and yield are poor because ofcompetition for sunlight. Various trials were conductedand a spacing of 1.82x1.52 m with 3614 plants perhectare were found to be optimum. The major advantagein this method of planting is the saving in cost of dripirrigation system.

5'

6’Crop Geometry var. Grand Naine


2.5 VARIETY:

Farmers traditionally cultivate Basrai variety of dwarf cavendish group, besides Shrimantiand Ardhapuri, which are selections of Basrai.

Basrai however, does not meet the requirements of international market. It’s yield isalso a limiting factor. The avarage yield is about 10kg per plant and the crop duration is17 to 18 months. The fruit of Basrai is sweet, has short shelf life and develops blackspots on the fruits upon ripening.

In order to sustain the Banana industry in Jalgaon, it was necessary to look for analternative variety and thus Grand Naine was introduced. The characters of Grand Naineare as below:♦ High yield (average 30 kgs per plant)♦ Long cylindrical fruits with less curvature♦ Less sweet compared to Basrai♦ Good keeping quality♦ Attractive yellowish green color at maturity♦ Internationally acceptable, both as fresh fruit and in processed form♦ Pulp to peel ratio is more and highly suitable for processing

In order to ensure its successful adoption and fullest manifestation of establishedcharacters, high-tech horticultural practices were introduced. This included,♦ Tissue cultured planting material♦ Drip irrigation and♦ Fertigation - use of water soluble fertilizers through drip

2.6 TISSUE CULTURED PLANTING MATERIAL:By definition, Tissue Culture is the rapid vegetative propagation of superior mother plantsunder controlled conditions of light, temperature and humidity resulting in plants thatare similar to the mother plant in all respects.

2.6.1 The Process:The tissue culture process involves the following stages:Initiation: The actively growing tissue (shoot tip) is excised from the mother plant, viz.the sucker after sterilization and placed in a nutrient medium and maintained inside thelab that provide clean, aseptic conditions for the tissue to proliferate.


Multiplication: The initiated tissueproliferates into mini shoots. This maytake between 4 and 5 weeks. Theproliferated tissue is periodically (oncein 4 weeks) separated under sterileconditions and replanted onto freshnutrient medium and allowed toproliferate further.

Shooting and Rooting: The multiplied plants are encouraged for elongation and rootingby suitably altering the chemical composition of the nutrient medium in which they aregrown.

2.6.2 Hardening:The plants rooted under lab conditions are weaned and acclimatised to natural growingconditions in green houses for 45 days. The hardened plants are further grown undershade houses with controlled irrigation, fertigation and humidity for 4-6 weeks beforetaking up for main field planting.

2.6.3 Advantages of Tissue Cultured Planting Material:♦ Uniform growth, maturity and increase in yield.♦ Faithful reproduction of mother plant characters under identical growing conditions.♦ Freedom from disease causing pathogens at the time of planting in the field,♦ Year round availability.

2.7 PLANTING:

Planting of tissue culture Banana can be done throughout the year except when thetemperature is too low or too high.The major planting seasons in Jalgaon are:Mrig Baug (Kharif) June - JulyKande Baug (Rabi) October - November

Soil should be well ploughed and pits of size 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.3 m are prepared at a spacingof 1.82 x 1.52 m. FYM (2-3 kg), Phorate (5 g) and Neem Cake (200 g) are added toeach of the pits before planting. Split open the polybag and remove the plant carefully

Stages in Tissue Culture process


with the ball of earth intact. Place the plant in the centre of the pit without disturbing theroots. Deep planting should be avoided.

2.8 WATER MANAGEMENT:Irrigate the plants immidiately after planting. Apply sufficient water and maintain fieldcapacity. Excess irrigation will lead to root zone congestion due to removal of air fromsoil pores, thereby affecting plant establishment and growth. It is hence recommendedthat drip irrigation be used.

2.8.1 What is Drip Irrigation ?:Drip irrigation or micro irrigation is described as regulated and slow application ofirrigation water through emitters or orifices at frequent intervals near the rootzone ofplants, over a longer period of time.

2.8.2 Principles:Drip irrigation is the term used to describe the method of irrigation in which:♦ Water is applied directly to the root zone at a low rate♦ Water is applied over a longer period of time at frequent intervals.♦ Water is applied through a low pressure piping network.A typical Drip irrigation system is shown in the figure below:

Jain Drip System Layout


Fertilizers can also be applied through drip system thereby making it sure that waterand nutrients, the two important inputs for agricultural production are given in controlledmanner and exactly near the root zone of plants at frequent intervals through emittingdevices through a network of PVC mains, filtration units, control valves, PVC submainsand LLDPE laterals. Water and nutrients enter the soil and move into the root zonethrough the combined forces of gravity and capillary action.

2.8.3 Advantages of Jain Drip Irrigation Systems:Jain Drip Systems are designed to provide greater operational ease, higher functionalefficiency and minimum maintenance. Following are the major advantages, which justifythe faith of thousands of farmers in the country in Jain Drip Irrigation System.

Increased Yields: The system facilitates water application at regular interval therebymaintaining optimum moisture level in the root zone for a longer period thus preventingmoisture stress or shock associated with other methods of irrigation. This promotesoptimum plant performance resulting in higher yield and better quality produce.

Almost all crops have responded well to drip irrigation and yield increase upto 100% hasbeen reported. Besides this, early maturity has also been reported.The yield of Banana under drip irrigation was 87.5 t/ha and that under conventional floodsystem was 57.5 t/ha. Initial experiments with conventional spacings at Jain R&D farm andin farmers’ fields under different methods of irrigation system showed a significant saving inwater as well as yield increase by 30-35%. These R&D trials in late 90’s have served as aneye opener to Banana growers.

Water Saving: Water saving upto 70% is observed in various crops as seepage,percolation, evaporation and conveyance losses are eliminated.

Savings in Weed Control: Water is applied directly in the root zone, wetting only asmall portion of the soil. Interspaces between the plants and between the rows of plantsare not wetted beyond the root zone. This deprives water and nutreints to the weedsand the weed growth is under control, resulting in saving of water and nutrients as wellas cost of weeding.

Provision for application of fertilizers and other plant protection chemicalsalongwith the water through the system: Jain Drip Systems comprise of an injectionassembly device to enable application of soluble fertilizers and systemic plant protectionchemicals alongwith water, through the drip system.


Improved disease control: Disease control is enhanced with drip irrigation systems,as the soil moisture and chemical additive levels can be closely controlled. In addition,spread of pathogens through surface water runoff is eliminated.

Ideally suited for difficult terrains and problematic soils & water: Vast areas ofland with difficult terrains and waste lands can be brought under productive cultivationas they can be easily irrigated without costly land levelling and removal of productivetop soil. Drip Irrigation Systems can be used in saline or alkaline soils and even withpoor quality of water.

2.8.4 Water requirements and irrigation scheduling:Water requirement of Banana plant depends upon the local conditions such asevapotranspiration, soil type, planting season, growth stage, etc. Hence it is necessarythat the water requirement be calculated for specific areas based on above variables.

Table-2 provides water requirements and irrigation scheduling for Banana in Jalgaonregion. Similar details can be worked out for other areas.

Table-2: Water requirement in litres/plant/day (lpd) for Jalgaon region

Month Qty. Month Qty.(Mrug Baug) (lpd) (Kande Baug) (lpd)June (Planting) 05 October (Planting) 04-06July 04 November 04August 05 December 04September 06 January 05October 08-10 February 06November 08 March 10-12December 06 April 12-13January 09 May 14-16February 11 June 11March 16-18 July 11April 18-20 August 11May 20-25 September 12-14


2.9 FERTIGATION:Banana requires heavy nutrition.Banana crop requires 7-8 Kg N, 0.7-1.5 Kg P and 17-20 Kg K per metrictonne yield. Banana responds well toapplication of nutrients. Traditionallyfarmers use more of urea and less ofphosphorous and potash.

In order to avoid loss of nutrients fromconventional fertilizers i.e. loss of N through leaching, volatilization, evaporation andloss of P and K by fixation in the soil, application of water soluble or liquid fertilizersthrough drip irrigation (fertigation) is encouraged. A 25-30% increase in yield is observedusing fertigation. Moreover, it saves labour and time and the distribution of nutrients isuniform.2.9.1 Advantages:♦ Ensures regular flow of both water and nutrients, resulting in increased growth ratesand higher yields. Increase in the yield by more than 50% could be achieved withappropriate fertigation schedule.♦ Offers greater versatility in the timing of the nutrient application to meet specific demandsat each growth stage. Fertilizers can be applied at predetermined times according to thedevelopmental and physiological stage of the crop. It should be noted that application offertilizer in split doses results in pronounced increase in the plant nutrient uptake.♦ Improves availability of nutrients and their uptake by the plants. The irrigation systemis designed to supply both water and nutrients directly to the roots, creating a wettedzone at the site of the greatest root activity.♦ Safer application method as it eliminates the danger of burning the plant’s root system,since the fertilizer is applied in very low concentration.♦ Improves efficiency as small amounts of fertilizers are applied at frequent intervals andaccording to different stages of crop growth. This results in substantial savings in quantityof fertilizers (30% to 50%).♦ Combining liquid fertilizers with insecticides and herbicides saves labour and machineryfor their application separately.♦ Allows crops to be grown on marginal lands, such as sandy or rocky soils, whereaccurate control of water and fertilizers in the plant’s root environment is critical.

Fertigation in Banana


♦ Ensures uniform nutrient application.♦ Minimizes pollution of soil.

2.9.2 Schedule of application:The fertilizer schedule for tissue culture banana var. Grand Naine both in solid andwater soluble form is given in the Tables below:2.9.2.1 Solid fertilizer schedule for Grand Naine BananaTotal nutrient requirement:

N - 200 gm/plant P - 60 gm/plant K - 250 gm/plantTotal quantity of fertilizer required per acre (Spacing 1.8 x 1.5 m; 1452 plants)

Urea (N) SSP (P) MOP (K)431.0 375.0 415 gm/plant625.0 545.0 602 kg/acre

Table-3: Schedule of solid fertilizer applicationDays after planting Source Quantity (gm/plant)Basal dose SSP 125

MOP 10530 days Urea 6275 days Urea 62

SSP 125125 days Urea 62

SSP 125165 days Urea 62

MOP 105210 days Urea 62255 days Urea 62

MOP 105300 days Urea 62

MOP 105

SSP = Single Super Phosphate, MOP = Muriate of Potash


2.9.2.2 Water soluble solid fertilizers:Total nutrient requirement

N -150 gm/plant P - 45 gm/plant K - 185 gm/plant

Total quantity of fertilizer required per acre (Spacing 1.8 x 1.5 m; 1452 plants)Fertilizer / Complex Quantity (Kg / acre)

19:19:19 192 kgs0:52:34 59 kgs

13: 0:46 458 kgs Urea 337 kgs

Table-4: Schedule of water soluble fertilizer application

Period Grade Total Qty (kg) kg / day / acre1- 90 days 19 : 19 : 19 192 kgs 2.130

13 : 0 : 46 93 kgs 1.033Urea 70 kgs 0.777

91 - 150 days 0 : 52 : 34 59 kgs 0.98313 : 0 : 46 82.5 kgs 1.376

Urea 117.5 kgs 1.958151 - 300 days 13 : 0 : 46 282.5 kgs 1.884

Urea 150 kgs 1.000

The above schedule has been prepared keeping in view the fertilizer use efficacy ofabout 25-30 % using water soluble solid fertilizer as against the conventional methodsof fertilizer application.

2.9.3 Fertigation Equipments :Ventury injector, fertilizer tank and fertigation pump are used for fertigation.

2.9.3.1 Ventury Injector:This system of injection works on the principle of ventury. Vacuum is created bydiverting a percentage of water flow from the main pipe line through a constriction orventury which increases the velocity of flow thus creating a drop in pressure.Thevacuum thus created can be used to initiate suction of fertilizer/chemical solutions from


a tank through a suction pipe.

The Ventury Injector best suits the fertigation requirements ofsmall farms as it is very economical and easy to operate. Howeveruse of ventury leads to higher pressure loss in the system whichmay result in un-even water & fertilizer distribution in the field.The suction rate of ventury is 30 to 120 lit. per hour.

2.9.3.2 Fertilizer Tank (Flow by-pass system)In this system, part of irrigation water is diverted from the mainline in to a tank containing fertilizer/chemical solution. The waterthus diverted, passes through the tank and carries along with itthe fertilizer/solution and returns to the mainline through theoutlet connection. A valve is installed across the inlet and outletof the fertilizer tank for creating pressure difference for divertingthe water from the mainline into the tank. As the processcontinues, the concentration of the solution in the tank reducesprogressively.

These Fertilizer Tanks are used for large irrigation systemsand/or for crops which need bulk application of fertilizers. However, with this sytem theconcentration of the fertilizer entering the irrigation water changes continuously withthe time, with very high concentration at the beginning . As a result, uniformity of ferilizerdistribution can be a problem. Fertilizer tanks are available in 90,120, 160 litres capacity.

2.9.3.3 Fertilizer Injector Pump (Fertigation Pump)These are piston or diphragm pumps which are driven by thewater pressure of the irrigation system. The injection rate isproportional to the flow of water in the system. A high degree ofcontrol over the fertilizer injection rate is possible without muchpressure losses . The initial cost of these injector pumps will behigher but are suitable for accurate and controlled applicationof fertilizers/chemicals. Suction rates of pumps varies from 40 litto 160 lit per hour.


2.9.4 Micronutrients:Zinc deficiency is common in saline soil with no or little organic content. Zinc deficiencyis characterised by small and narrow tapered leaves with interveinal chlorosis. Newleaves are small. Flowering is delayed. Bunches become small with bottle-necked fruits.

Boron deficiency produces small deformed leaves. Veins will be prominent with streaksacross the veins on the leaf.

Application of Borax and Zinc sulphate at 50 g each per plant during third month afterplanting and foliar spray of Boric acid at 0.2% and Zinc sulphate at 0.5 % during thefourth and sixth month after planting is recommended for rectifying the deficiency andimproving bunch weight.

2.10 INTER CULTURE OPERATION :To provide good aeration and to control weeds harrowing should be done upto 4-5months at 15 days interval.

2.10.1 Weeding:Spraying with Glyphosate (Round up) before planting at the rate of 2 l/ha is done tokeep the plantation clean. One or two weedings are necessary.

2.10.2 Removal of male floral bud (Denavelling):Removal of male bud helps fruit development and increases bunch weight. Male budsare removed with last 1-2 small hands with a clean cut keeping a single finger in the lasthand.

2.10.3 Earthing up:Keep the soil loose by harrowing from time to time. Earthing up should be done 3-4months after planting raising the soil level around the base of the plant by 10-12”. It isbetter to prepare a raised bed and keep the drip line on bed 2-3” away from the plant.

2.10.4 Trashing:The dried leaves should be removed as and when seen. Do not cut green leaves.

2.10.5 Propping:Propping or supporting the bearing plants can be done by suitable propping materiallike a stick with ‘V’ shape at one end.


2.10.6 Covering the Bunches:Covering the bunches with perforated 0.5 mm thick white or blue polyethylene bagswhen all the hands have emerged prevents blemishes, diseases, insect damage andalso results in early maturity of the fruits. Spotless fruits have more export potential andfetch better market price.

2.10.7 Mulching:In order to prevent evaporation loss of soil moisture use disease-free dried bananaleaves or sugarcane trash for mulching. Additionally this will also check weed growth.

2.11 INTERCROPS:Onion, soyabean or cowpea can be grownas intercrop in banana by planting onraised bed which will give additionalincome. Growing intercrops like cowpeaand soyabean also helps suppress weedgrowth.

2.12 DISEASES AND PESTS:Jalgaon region is comparatively free from various pests and diseases that are known tocommonly infect Banana. However, some of the diseases and pests do appear when theseason is conducive for infection. The most important diseases and pests are as follows:

2.12.1 Sigatoka Leaf Spot (Cercospora musae):The earliest symptoms are seen in the field as small lesions on the leaves. Theselesions are parallel to the leaf veins. Some of these develop to form characteristic spots,which increase in size to form dark, brownish to black linear oblong areas. The spotson lower leaves of young plants are dark brown and oval to circular. Centre of the spotseventually dries out, becoming light grey, but a narrow dark brown or black borderpersists, giving 'eye spot' appearance. A plant infected by sigatoka has a very obvious'scorched' appearance. Unfolded heart leaf and two youngest open leaves do not usuallyshow symptoms.

Control: Removal and destruction of infected leaves. Correct agronomic practices likeimproved drainage, regular weeding, desuckering and correct and optimal spacing helpin reducing the incidence of the disease. Spraying of Carbendazim 0.10%, Bordeaux

Banana with onion as Intercrop


mixture 1% and Dithane M-45 0.25% alternatively at 15 days interval, is recommended.Use of a sticker is also recommended.

2.12.2 Bunchy Top:

The symptoms are :♦ Size of the leaf is greatly reduced and there is a rosetting of reduced leaves at thetop portion of the plant.♦ Broken dark green streaks along the veins, midrib or petiole.♦ Leaves are brittle and dark in colour.♦ Infection at early stages of plant growth stops bunch production.♦ Infection after bunch emergence reduces bunch size.

Control: ♦ Remove and destroy affected plants alongwith rhizome by burning.♦ Spray any one of the systemic insecticides like Metasystox @ 1.25 ml or Nuvacron@ 1.25 ml or Dimecron @ 0.5 ml/litre of water to control the aphid vector.

2.12.3 Nematodes:Besides causing root damage, nematodes act as pre-disposing factor for panama wiltwhich is caused by soil borne fungal pathogen.The symptoms are:

♦ Black lesion in the roots♦ Decaying of the roots♦ Stunted growth of the plant and poor bunch size.

Control: ♦ Application of Furadan-10g or Phorate-5g or Neem cake-200g per pit atthe time of planting. ♦ Marigold serves as repellent and trap crop. It can be grown inthe interspace to begin with.

2.12.4 Rhizome Weevil (Cosmopolitus sordidus):Infected corm gets riddled with holes due to tunneling of corm by grubs. Secondaryinfection of fungi and bacteria accelerate rotting of the corm.

Control: ♦ Application of Phorate 20 gm per pit or neem cake 200 g per pit at the timeof planting


2.13 RATOON CROP:Bananas are perennials which produce succeeding generations of crops. The first cycleafter planting is called the plant crop. The ratoon is the sucker (also called the follower)succeeding the harvested plant. The second cycle is called the first ratoon crop. Thethird cycle is the second ratoon crop, and so on.The growth cycle of Banana consists of two phases♦ vegetative phase♦ reproductive phase

The vegetative phase (or 'shooting') begins with the production of leaves by the plantedTC plant and ends when the inflorescence appearing at the top of the plant.

The reproductive phase begins with the transition of the vegetative meristem into afloral shoot. The division of phases is arbitrary, and it takes normally about 7-8 monthsafter planting before the inflorescence emerges at the top of the plant. The fruit fillingperiod, that is, the time between flowering and harvest, completes the reproductivephase and the growth cycle.During the growth cycle, plants develop essentially three major components:♦ an underground corm, producing suckers and roots♦ a pseudostem, consisting of encircling leaf sheaths, and carrying the leaves♦ an inflorescence, containing female flowers that develop into fruitsThe length of the growth cycle depends on the cultivar. Under the best growingconditions, the yield of the second cycle is higher than the yield of the first cycle. Thishas been proved in the field performance of Grand Naine at Jalgaon as well, contraryto the popular belief that the follower crop will have a lower yield.The mother plant and the ratoon are in competition for resources and ratooning isgenerally followed only in those areas where there is an assured source of irrigation.During the vegetative phase, most of the resources are directed to the growing motherplant. During flowering, ratoon development increases. Hence ratoon management orde-suckering becomes very important. As a rule, a follower is allowed only after theemergence of the inflorescence in the planted crop and the same package of practicesare followed as that of the planted crop before allowing a follower for the second ratoon.Starting with a TC planting material that ensures uniform growth and early and uniformmaturity, proper ratoon management ( follower management) will result in yet another


uniform ratoon crop. Thus it has been proved that in a span of 30 months (12 monthsfor planted crop and 9 months each after harvest for the subsequent crops), threecrops comprising of one planted crop and two ratoon crops can be harvested withoutreduction in yield. Trials were conducted at our R&D farm and we could demonstratethe usefulness of drip irrigation under water stressed conditions and that two ratoonscan be taken up alongwith a main crop in 30 months, without reduction in yield. Thishas an added advantage of saving in planting material costs and on land preparationexpenses. This is contrary to the existing practice of only one crop over a period of17-18 months and even if one were to take one more crop, it will take a total of about30-32 months with yield levels being 10 kg per plant per cropping period on an average.Another popular belief about the ratoon crop is that it harbors pathogens as a result ofthe continuum of the host plant material. Use of virus indexed planting material throughtissue culture and scientific high-tech horticultural practices like drip irrigation andfertigation are capable of keeping away pests and deseases, besides resulting inadditional income. Jain Irrigation Systems ltd. at Jalgaon had demonstrated this infarmers’ fields with high success rate. Besides developing a customized package ofpractices, farmers had been trained periodically at the company’s R & D farm on theuse of high-tech inputs and practices. Thus an integrated approach to agriculturaldevelopment has resulted in farmers adopting the practice of ratooning in banana forhigher income generation.

2.14 HARVESTING:The planted crop gets ready for harvestwithin 11-12 months of planting. Firstratoon crop would be ready by 8-10months from the harvesting of main cropand second ratoon by 8 months afterthe second crop. Thus over a period of28-30 months, it is possible to harvestthree crops i.e. one main crop & tworatoon crops.If the crop is managed well, an average yield of 90-100 metric tonnes per hectare in themain crop and similar yields in the ratoon crops can be achieved.


FRUIT PROCESSING

The company has commissioned a modern state-of-the-art Banana processing plant of120t/day capacity, a 100% export oriented unit. Banana is processed into puree andconcentrate and packed in aseptic 210 Kg bag-in-drum packaging and exported toEurope, Middle East and other countries.

Another area where India holds much promise is in the export of Fresh Banana Fruits.

3.1 THE GUIDELINES FOR FRESH FRUIT EXPORT ARE GIVEN BELOW:♦ Selection of suitable variety that has international acceptance-Grand Naine andGolden finger♦ Raising the crop with tissue cultured planting material♦ Customized package of high tech horticultural practices of Jains Optimized cropgeometry, Drip Irrigation & Fertigation♦ Strict sanitation and pre harvest treatment of safe and recommended chemicals♦ Appropriate post harvest practices

3.2 THE OPERATIONAL SEQUENCE IS AS BELOW:♦ Selection and cutting of Bunches

♦ Carrying bunches in stretchers to packing shed

♦ Weighing and de-handing

♦ De flowering and giving a clean cut to crown

♦ Washing hands in Tank 1 and 2 to remove latex and dirt from the surface

♦ Washing in alum and anti fungal solution in Tank 3.

♦ Drying and packing in corrugated boxes lined with food grade plastic sheets

♦ Weighing and carrying boxes to cold storage and bring down the temperature to130 C within 9 hours from harvest


♦ Vacuum packing of the fruits in the carton and stuffing the reefer container

♦ Warming up the fruits to 180 C at destination

♦ Subjecting the fruits to 1000 ppm ethylene gas at 180 C for 24 hours and venting for30 minutes

♦ Bring down the temperature to 130 C

♦ Market at stage 3 color

Jains with their vast experience in agri-sector since the early seventies is now poised totake up fresh Banana exports from Jalgaon. The area under Banana in Jalgaon beingbrought under Tissue Culture Grand Naine is on the increase and with training of farmerson high-tech horticultural practices, Jalgaon has rightly earned its position as the BananaBowl of India and Jains are proud to have initiated and nurtured it.

Banana fresh fruit export

Banana Processing Facility

Banana Puree and Concentrate

Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices..22..

Note: The cost of cultivation includes cost of tissue culture plant and depreciated cost of drip irrigation.

ECONOMICS OF TISSUE CULTURE BANANA CULTIVATION

Sr.No. ParticularsMain Crop First Ratoon Second Ratoon Total

Conven- Tissue Conven- Tissue Conven- Tissue Conven- Tissuetional culture tional culture tional culture tional culture

1 SpacingRow to row in feet 5 6 -- -- -- -- -- --Plant to plant in feet 5 5 -- -- -- -- -- --

2 Plant population per acre 1742 1452 1742 1452 1742 1452 -- --3 Cost of cultivation/plant (Rs.) 22 36 19 24 19 24 -- --4 Cost of cultivation/acre (Rs.) 38324 52272 33098 34848 33098 34848 104520 1219685 Crop Duration in months 18 12 12 9 12 9 -- --6 Yield

- Avreage bunch weight 15 25 16 26 15 25 46 76 per plant in Kgs- Non fruiting population 174 0 174 0 174 0 -- --- Yield /acre in metric tonnes 23.52 36.30 25.08 37.75 23.52 36.30 72.1188 110.352

7 Selling price per metric 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 3000 -- --tonne in Rs.

8 Gross Income in Rs. 70551 108900 75254.4 113256 70551 108900 216356.4 3310569 Net Income in Rs. 32227 56628 42156 78408 37453 74052 111836.4 209088


ANNEXURE - 1FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1. Will tissue culture guarantee freedom from diseases?Tissue culture plants are produced under the cleanest of conditions at Jains andhence are free of Fungus, Bacteria and Virus. However when they go to the field,they may get these diseases from the local environment. It may be observed that90% of diseases in plants are due to planting material and using tissue culturedplants, this is eliminated. Hence, its important that proper cultivation practices arefollowed and the field is generally kept clean and free from diseases.

2. Will your TC Banana plants also get Viral infection?No, because the plants are indexed for presence of virus and only virus free motherplants are multiplied and supplied.

3. Does TC right away guarantee higher yield?Should I follow other practices?TC plants do not guarantee higher yield right away. TC plants are a good beginningand they need to be supported by customized package of practices. TC plantshave the potential as they are developed from high yielding mother plants. At Jains,for example in Banana, in addition to the planting material, we also provide supportservices of customized package of practices and periodical visits by our agronomiststo ensure higher yield

4. Can I take a ratoon crop with TC Banana plants?Yes. The TC Grand Naine banana that we provide has a crop duration of 11-12months and are amenable for ratooning as well, with no reduction in yield. In factfarmers in Maharashtra have been able to take 3 crops in 30 months (a main cropand two ratoon crops)

5. Can I use regular practices like flood irrigation with TC plants?No you should not ideally, because, TC plants having well develop root system,with flood irrigation, water completely replaces the air in the root zone and soil is not


at its field capacity, thereby suffocating the plant. As a result the plant growth suffers.Subsequently when the soil attains its field capacity, plant growth gets started butsoon water availability goes down the root zone thereby putting the plants understress again.On the other hand when drip irrigation is used, it provides water in measuredquantities right at the root zone and water is replenished regularly, thereby plant isnever under stress. This results in optimum plant growth. Supported with applicationof water soluble fertilizers/ liquid fertilizers through fertigation, higher per plant yieldand savings in water and fertilizer can be achieved.

6. Can I grow TC plants anytime in the year, any where I like?Yes. This is the major advantage of tissue culture. However, it should be ensuredthat sufficient quantities of water are available for irrigationAlternatively, if the planting coincides with the onset of monsoon, even under waterstressed areas, TC banana cultivation can be taken up.

7. Can I use suckers from previous crop or should I buy TC plants from you again?Using suckers for fresh planting even from tissue culture plantation is not advisable.This is because, the age of the sucker will not be known as each sucker would haveemerged at different times. This results in an un uniform growth of the plants in thefield and the plants come to harvest at different times. There will be total lack ofuniformity and the very purpose of tissue culture is lost.It's hence advisable that for fresh planting, one should go in only for lab producedplants and not farm produced suckers.

8. Are your prices fixed or will you offer discounts?Yes, generally our prices are fixed. However, special discounts can be thought of, ifthe volume of off take is significantly high.

9. If I have a problem in growing the crop, will you advise me?Yes certainly. Our team of Agronomists and Engineers will be visiting farmers' fieldsregularly and taking care of field problems.


♦ Micro Irrigation System & Components♦ Sprinkler Irrigation Systems.♦ Turf / Landscape Irrigation Systems.♦ Lift Irrigation Systems.♦ Dust Suppression Sprinkler Systems.♦ Automated Irrigation Systems.♦ PVC Pipes & Fittings.♦ MDPE Pipes & Fittings.♦ HDPE Pipes & Compression Fittings.♦ PVC Water Well Casing & Screen Pipes.

ANNEXURE - 2OUR PRODUCTS / SERVICES

♦ Plastic Sheets♦ Plastic Valves♦ Solar Water Heating System♦ Green Houses / Shade Houses♦ Banana Tissue Culture Plants.♦ Agriculture & Irrigation Projects on

Turn-key Basis.♦ Dehydrated Onion & Vegetable.♦ Processed Fruits.♦ Bio-Fertilizers♦ Agricultural / Horticultural Consultancy

Jain Agri Park, P. O. Box 72, Jalgaon - 425 001.Tel : 0257-260011/22; Fax: 0257-261111/22

* International Variety – Grand Naine

* Disease free planting material.

* Farmers have been using for the last 6 years.

* Average yield of 28 to 30 Kg per plant in 11-12months*.

* Can harvest 3 crops (one main crop and tworatoons) in 30 months*.

Purchase Jain Tissue Culture plants.... Reap a bountiful harvest !

Order your plants immediately to avoid disappointment.* Conditions Apply



Hi-tech inputs & practices in banana cultivation

JainPlastic Park,Bambhori,P.O.Box No.72,Jalgaon-425001.India.

Tel:0257-2250011/12, Fax: 0257-2251111/22,

E-mail: [email protected], Visit usat:www.jains.com

JainIrrigation SystemsLtd.

We help farmers to produce more and better

We purchasefruits& vegetablesfrom Farmers

WeProcess&Exportthem

FreshFruits,Purees&ConcentratesOnion&VegetablesDehydration

TissueCulturedPlants& HighQualitySeeds

PVC,HDPEPiping Systems

Drip&SprinklerIrrigationSystems

Bio Fertilisers

JAIN INTEGRATED APPROACH TOAGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Greenhouse

Research&Development

TurnkeyProject

AgriculturalTrainingAgriculturalTraining&Advice

Agri/HortiConsultancy

Documents

Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices...Hi-Tech Banana Production Practices..2.. THE COMPANY Jain Irrigation (JISL) has a long history and its roots can be traced to a humble begin-ning