The banana could contribute to Burundi's food safety and to the increase in income of the countries producers, when the yearly yield reaches 60 to 90 tonnes/ha. This was said by Salvator Kaboneka of the FAO.
However, the yields can only improve if new, productive varieties are used, (which have been adapted to the climate), when knowledge is improved and extended, fertilisation techniques are applied and diseases and destroyers are kept under control.
The banana cultivation is Burundi's main production with an annual production of around 1.75 million tonnes of bananas per year. This is 42 - 45% of the total production of food in the country. It is also the main source of income (around 1.23 million Euro per year) for the local governments, due to the taxes on local drinks and food which are sold on the market. For the households, the banana could provide a total income of around 172 million Euro.
