How to intercrop bananas

Have you considered raising a banana farm? The National Banana Research Program – NARO, Uganda, a major producer, has articulated the information below, which might be helpful to Nigerian farmers. 

Where banana is the main crop

For every two lines of banana, plant one line of coffee (Robusta at 3m x 3m and Arabica at 2.4m X 2.4m) or one coffee bush versus 4 banana mats. 

If coffee is the main crop

The banana mats should not exceed 750 mats per hectare (about 303 plants per acre). 

Dry season farming in Kogi low this year

An eggs-cellent course

When intercropping with beans

Plant beans in rows to minimize competition. Incorporate crop residues from the beans as mulch.

If you must plant other crops such as roots tubers and other crops, plant at the edges of the banana field e.g. cassava, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables etc. 

What you need to know about spacing when planting bananas

Appropriate spacing reduces competition for nutrients, allows sufficient light penetration, encourages good root system development and eases implementation of management practices.

The recommended spacing for banana should be 3m x 3m (10ft x 10ft).

Dig holes of 90cm (3ft) length, 90cm (3ft) width and 60cm (2ft) depth, to allow for root expansion and water retention.