A Complete Guide to Banana Farming in Bihar (Kela ki Kheti): Techniques for a Bountiful Hajipur Harvest

Posted on: June 30, 2025

Here in Hajipur, the word 'banana' (Kela) is more than just a fruit; it's a legacy. From the unique sweetness of our 'Chinichampa' and 'Malbhog' varieties to the bustling trade they inspire, bananas are woven into our cultural and economic fabric.

With the monsoon setting in across Bihar this late June, there is no better time to delve into the art and science of banana cultivation. The soft, moist soil and subsequent rains create the ideal conditions for planting new saplings. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, covering everything from planting to care for a successful plantation.

1. The Foundation: Site Selection and Preparation

Before you plant a single sucker, preparing your land correctly is the most critical step.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Bananas are tropical plants that thrive in the warm, humid climate of Bihar. They require rich, fertile, and well-drained loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The alluvial soil of our Gangetic plains is perfect for this purpose. Ensure your selected plot is not prone to long-term waterlogging.

Land Preparation (Khet ki Taiyari)

• Ploughing: Begin with 2-3 deep ploughings to make the soil loose and friable. This improves aeration and drainage.

• Levelling: Level the field properly to ensure even distribution of water and nutrients.

• Digging Pits: Dig pits of the size 45cm x 45cm x 45cm. The spacing of these pits is crucial and will be discussed in the planting section.

• Pit Treatment: Let the pits be exposed to the sun for about two weeks to kill any harmful pathogens. Before planting, fill each pit with a mixture of topsoil, 10-15 kg of well-decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) or Gobar ki Khaad, 250 grams of Neem Cake (to protect against nematodes), and 20 grams of Carbofuran granules.

2. Planting Material: The Future of Your Plantation

Your final yield and quality depend heavily on the planting material you choose.

Choosing the Right Variety

• Local Favourites: For unique taste and strong local market demand, varieties like 'Chinichampa', 'Malbhog', and 'Alpan' from Hajipur are excellent choices.

• High-Yielding Commercial: The Grand Naine (G9) variety is the most popular commercial choice. It is a high-yielding dwarf variety, resistant to some diseases, and has a shorter crop cycle.

Types of Planting Material

1. Suckers (Puttay): The traditional method. Select healthy "sword suckers" with well-developed rhizomes (the underground bulb), narrow, spear-like leaves, and weighing around 500-750 grams.

2. Tissue Culture Plantlets: The modern, recommended method. These are saplings grown in a lab. Their advantages are immense:

   • They are disease-free and genetically uniform.

   • The plants grow and mature at the same time, making harvesting predictable.

   • They typically result in a higher yield and an earlier harvest.

3. The Planting Process (Monsoon Season is Ideal!)

Timing and Spacing

The onset of the monsoon (June-July) is the best time for planting in Bihar. The natural rains help the plants establish themselves firmly.

• High-Density Spacing: For the G9 variety, a spacing of 1.8m x 1.8m (6ft x 6ft) is recommended, accommodating around 1,200 plants per acre.

• Traditional Spacing: For taller local varieties, a wider spacing may be needed.

Planting Method

Place the sucker or tissue culture plantlet upright in the center of the prepared pit. Ensure the rhizome or the base of the plantlet is about 15 cm below the ground level. Cover gently with the soil-manure mixture and press firmly. Lightly irrigate the plant immediately after planting.

4. Ongoing Care and Management

Bananas are heavy feeders and require consistent care.

Nutrient Management (Khad Prabandhan)

A balanced dose of nutrients is essential for large, healthy bunches. Apply fertilizers in split doses every 2-3 months. A combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers (NPK) gives the best results. Drip irrigation can also be used to supply water-soluble fertilizers efficiently (fertigation).

Water Management (Sinchai)

Bananas need a lot of water. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during the dry winter and hot summer months. While the monsoon provides ample water, good drainage is crucial as bananas cannot tolerate water stagnation. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method, saving water and delivering it directly to the root zone.

Desuckering

This is a vital technique. The main plant will produce several side suckers. Allow only one "follower" sucker to grow (for the next crop cycle) and remove all others as soon as they appear. This practice, called desuckering, ensures that all the plant's energy is directed towards developing a large fruit bunch.

Propping (Sahara Dena)

As the fruit bunch grows heavy, the plant can bend and break, especially during windy days. Provide support using two bamboo poles, tied together in a criss-cross manner to prop up the plant and support the weight of the bunch.

Bunch Care and Cleaning

Once the banana bunch has fully emerged, remove the male flower bud (bell) at the end. Covering the bunch with a large bag (bunch covering) protects it from sunburn, pests, and dust, resulting in cleaner, higher-quality fruit.

5. Harvesting and Yield

Your crop will typically be ready for harvest 11-13 months after planting. The bananas are ready when they change from dark green to a lighter green, and the sharp angles on the fruit become more rounded.

With good management, a G9 plantation can yield an average bunch weight of 25-30 kg, leading to a very profitable harvest of over 25-30 tonnes per acre.

By blending the rich legacy of Hajipur's banana cultivation with these modern techniques, you can ensure your plantation is not only productive but also profitable and sustainable.

What are your experiences with banana farming? Share your questions and local wisdom in the comments below!