An Analysis of Banana Cultivation in Theni District, Tamil Nadu

Objectives: To examine the production, cost performance, and the factors influencing banana cultivation in Theni District of Tamil Nadu, India.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The study relies exclusively on primary information obtained from the banana cultivators of Theni District. Purposive sampling procedure was followed for the selection of the study area. It is found that there are 90 farmers cultivating banana in the selected village and therefore, all of them are considered as respondents for the study.

Findings: The natural factors affecting the banana crop production include water storage, soil fertility, problems of soil, insects, weeds and crop variety. Water storage and weeds were reported by majority of cultivators as a major problem affecting crop productivity. Among the economic factor affecting banana cultivation, 88 percent of the respondents reported that fluctuations in price as the major reason. Inadequacy in credit and capital are the second major causes affecting crop productivity.

Application/Improvements: Crop insurance scheme can be introduced by the government of Tamil Nadu in order to protect the farmers in critical situation, like crop loss due to natural disorders. The government provides subsidies to the small farmers for adopting the new technology (i.e.) drip irrigation, soil testing etc.