I want to be a banana farmer.

Discussion in 'Fruit and Nut Trees' started by Eric La Fountaine, Dec 23, 2004.

  1. Eric La Fountaine

    Eric La Fountaine Contributor Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Location:
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    The following was received via email:

    pls can you help in given me more information on banana platation am a
    young graduate from Nigeria who graduated as an electronics engineer but
    want to become a successful plantain farmer.
    i will be very greatful if you can send me a comprehensive information.

    thanks in anticipation.
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    Involves constant weeding under tropical conditions, cutting and transporting heavy bunches of bananas to market. Some areas also have aggressive spiders that live among the bunches, bite and even kill harvesters (don't know if this includes Nigeria). But the main thing of all will be economic aspects in your area, if you can obtain funding to develop plantation on suitable land, produce and market crop in your region. Who are you planning to sell to?
     
  3. mr.shep

    mr.shep Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Location:
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    I think you need to make a determination as to soil
    and water considerations and whether your climate
    can handle growing fresh market, non-cooking,
    Bananas outdoors in your location. Personally, I
    think you might be better off to consider greenhouse
    culture and growing select dwarf forms such as
    Cavendish or grow varieties that are not so available
    in your area from possible imports being grown in
    South and Central America and the Caribbean.
    I'd suggest you look into Bananas that are different
    from your current non-export Bananas. Growing
    Dwarf Red Bananas may be your specialty niche
    if you can create a market for them.

    To be successful means you will have to spend lots
    of time determining what you need to do just to be
    able grow Bananas where you are and what all it will
    entail money wise just to get a plantation started from
    the ground floor. I am thinking the availability of
    stock plants to grow is one of your least worrisome
    tasks. How to grow them, where to grow them and
    knowing your limitations will be the much tougher
    aspects for you to deal with.

    Below are a few links for you to look at.

    http://www.ics-nigeria.org/plantain_1.htm

    http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/banana.html

    Jim
     
  4. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    I must say, Ron and Jim surprise me once again with their broad knowledge.
     

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