Due to the effect of El Nino across the country, it is very hot in April itself. According to the Meteorological Department (IMD), there is a possibility of extreme heat in May and June, due to which the banana crop may suffer huge losses. A strong hot wind is very harmful to bananas, it reduces the moisture of the plants, due to which the plants start withering and drying up. Therefore, the management of banana orchards is very important during the summer season. Agricultural scientists have also given suggestions for the protection of the banana crop. 

According to the news of Aaj Tak's sister website Kisan Tak , Dr. B., head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ayodhya and expert in fruit-vegetable crops. P. Shahi says that if the heat increases in April and May, the banana plants may dry up. Therefore, if the banana crop is not managed in time, there can be a 25 to 30 percent loss.

He said that the hot wind blowing at a speed of 80 km per hour can destroy the plants. Therefore, it is very important to maintain moisture in the banana orchard so that the plants do not dry out. To protect the banana crop from heat waves, place a net in the southwest direction and use a green shade net at the edge of the garden. Apart from this, by planting wind-blocking trees like Gajraj grass or structure, the environment will remain cool, and hot air will also not come. 

How to protect yourself from heat waves?

The agricultural scientist said that if a bunch of fruits appear on a banana plant in the month of April-May, then the risk increases. Therefore, manage the banana orchards in such a way that banana bunches do not emerge in April-May. But even after this, if bunches appear on the banana plant then cover them because due to hot air, the banana bunches turn black.

To protect yourself from heat stroke, you can also cover the banana bunch with dry banana leaves. Apart from this, a very thin poly bag, i.e. skating bag, can also cover the banana bunch completely. Covering banana bunches also protects it from insects and birds. At the same time, the fruits also ripen quickly due to this. 

How to protect the banana crop from damage?

The agricultural scientist said that it is very important to maintain moisture in the banana plants during the summer season because in this season water evaporates very fast and due to El Nino the temperature also increases, due to which Plants start drying up. In such a situation, farmers should use dry banana leaves or crop residue as mulch in the trays of banana plants. Due to this, moisture remains in the plant for a longer time. Irrigation is very important for the good growth of banana plants. Therefore, do irrigation once a week. 

This way the quality of fruits will increase.
Agricultural scientist says that when bunches of fruits start emerging from banana plants, their weight increases. In such a situation, if the wind blows, there is a possibility of the banana bunch falling due to its weight. To avoid this, staking is necessary, in which the plants are supported with bamboo poles. Banana plants require more water in summer, so water them through a drip.

Apart from this, fertilization is also very important so that the quality of the fruits remains good. Keep in mind that the amount of potash in the fertilizer should not be less than 400 grams. With the help of these tips, you can manage the banana crop in a better way, so that the summer season will not have any adverse effect on the banana yield and the quality of the fruits will also remain good.