Banana cultivation a profitable venture for farmers in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, December 08 2015:
With the price of banana soaring high along with its increased demands at the local market, cultivation of this delicious thick-skinned fruit is fast becoming a profitable venture for farmers in most villages under Phungyar sub-division in Ukhrul district.
More than ever, different varieties of bananas are abundantly available at women's vegetable markets, roadsides and other places in Ukhrul town round the year, although at varying prices depending upon different seasons.
"Nowadays, farmers in majority of villages in the sub-division are engaged in banana cultivation as it has become a profitable business," said Ngamreikhan Keishing, Chairman of Horyarin Association in an interaction with Hueiyen Lanpao.
He said that demand for the fruit has increased considerably in the local market over the past few years.
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Horyarin is a cluster association operating under IFAD Ukhrul and is comprised of farmers from villages like Koso, Leishi, Phalang, Sakok, Khampi, Maileng, Sorde, Punge and Sorbung which are amongst the highest producers of bananas in the district, he said.
"Our association is intensively taking up cultivation of bananas in the area since 2010, and through this many of our poor farmers can now secure their means of livelihood," he said before adding that at average a banana grower earns an income of Rs.2000 to Rs.2,500 a week.
According to Keishing, the advantage of growing bananas is that once the plants bear fruits, harvest can be done almost every week.
"Both local and imported banana varieties are grown in the area and amongst them are local Tangkhul Mothei and Tera and Sana bananas.
A bunch of local variety is worth Rs.30-50, while that of imported variety can fetch Rs.60-80 in the local market" .
Sharing his hands on experience, Keishing said that owing to its alluvial soil conditions, the area is highly productive in banana farming.
"Plantation is normally done in March to May and within 10 to 12 months plants bear fruits depending upon the size of siblings.
He however said that the outbreak of an insidious unknown disease had caused extensive damages to the plants in recent years in the region and the disease is believed to return after a cycle of about ten years.
"Infected plants are weakened and rotten at the base and then die down, but till date the disease is not identified by anyone," he added.