In Brazil, bananas have been identified as the most consumed fruit, with recent data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicating an annual consumption of 32 kg per capita in 2023. Paraná plays a role in this sector, with hundreds of families engaged in banana production across 7,679 hectares, including 4,157 hectares on the coast. Productivity in Brazil averages 15 tons per hectare annually, but Paraná exceeds this with an average of 19 tons, and potential yields above 50 tons per hectare.
A study by IDR-Paraná and Epagri emphasizes the importance of precise nutrient management for enhancing banana plantation productivity and profitability. Research shows that effective practices like soil and leaf analysis can lead to better nutritional management and efficient usage of amendments and fertilizers. An initial survey covered banana farms in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba and the Coast, revealing that most farmers rely on empirical practices rather than technical criteria for fertilizer management decisions.
IDR-Paraná's subsequent phase implemented 50 demonstration units to improve agricultural productivity, with the involvement of seven specialists focusing on pragmatic nutritional management actions. These units averaged 5,000 square meters, facilitating soil and leaf analyses and nematode studies. The initiative aims to refine banana cultivation with improved management practices and strategic decision-making.
An evaluation of organic banana production is underway on a property in Paranaguá, under Celso and Liam Yamauti, who received organic certification two years ago. This property, spanning 3.6 hectares, produces bananas alongside various crops like cassava and passion fruit, sold predominantly to the School Lunch Program. The farm employs agroecological methods, including crop rotation and soil management, enhancing its production system.
The SeloVerde MG initiative in Minas Gerais is now a recognized standard for rural credit, endorsed by Banco do Nordeste do Brasil (BNB). This platform certifies environmental compliance and facilitates rural credit by integrating socio-environmental criteria for various crops. According to Secretary Thales Fernandes, the platform aligns with environmental regulations, offering a pathway for producers to acquire resources for business growth sustainably.
Source: Abrafrutas
