Banana: Introduction, Commercialization, Merits and Demerits to human health

Introduction

Banana, fruit of the genus Musa, of the family Musaceae one of the most important fruit crops of the world. It is a tropical crop which basically grows well in a temperature range of 15°C-35°C with relative humidity of 75 -85%. It prefers tropical humid lowlands with deep, rich loamy soil and is grown from the sea level to an elevation of 2000m. Banana is very popular fruit due to it’s low price and high nutritive value. It is consumed in fresh or cooked form both as ripe and raw fruit.

Origin and History

Banana are thought to have first domesticated in Southeast Asia, and consumption is mentioned in early Greek ,Latin and Arab writings. Cultivation increased until bananas became a staple foodstuff in many regions, and in the nineteenth century they began to appear in the markets of the United States. That market spread to Nepal as well and it is currently grown in 68 of Nepal’s 77 districts and it is widely commercialized especially in Chitwan district.

Botanical description

A banana is an elongated, edible fruit botanically a berry. It’s fruit consists of soft pulpy flesh enclosed in a soft usually yellow rind a bunch of banana slipped on a banana peel. It is widely cultivated perennial often tree like herbs bearing bananas in compact pendent bunches.

Agricultural use

Banana farming is the basis for commercial fruit trading. Every banana plant generates waste biomass nearly ten times the quantity of it’s fruits. Disposal of waste biomass is a burden for the farmers. Economical use of the waste biomass can bring financial benefits to banana farmers . Use of organic potash in lieu of inorganic potash affords higher yield and also helps to preserve the ecosphere of soil for Subsequent crops.

Industrial use

Banana fibre is used to make items like bags, pots and wall hangers. Rope and good quality paper can be prepared from banana waste. Banana leaves are used as healthy and hygienic eating plates.

Merits

Banana is a rich source of carbohydrate and is rich in vitamins particularly vitamin B. It is also good source of potassium, phosphorous ,calcium and magnesium. The fruit is easy to digest free from fat and cholesterol. Banana powder is used as the first baby food. It helps in reducing risk of heart diseases when used regularly and is recommended for patients suffering from high blood Pressure, arthritis, ulcer, gastroenteritis, anaemia and kidney disorder.

Demerits

Side effects to banana are rare but may include bloating, cramping, softer stools, nausea and vomiting. In very high doses, banana might cause high blood level of potassium some people are allergic to banana and consuming banana too much can also lead to unhealthy weight gain.

Conclusion

In nutshell, from this tiny research about banana we came to know that banana is a healthy fruit necessary for our balanced diet so, we should include it in our daily diet at required amount. And government should also put hands forward to those enthusiastic farmers for agricultural achievement and give them grants at suitable time interval as an encouragement for them. This will obviously boost agricultural products in our country and our country will be autonomous in agricultural sector in near future.

Writer: Usha Dhungana