Japan could become major banana producer

Tropical fruits like bananas are usually not produced in colder climates like Japan. The country itself imports about 99% of its high banana consumption. This may change soon though as researchers in the country have found a way to grow bananas in cold climates in a fraction of the time. They are hoping this new method of growing could grow Japan into a world class banana exporter.

The agriculture company behind this new method is D&T Farms. Their current experimental facility can produce bananas, which would usually take two years to grow, in four months. The method is called the "Freeze-thaw awakening method" and involves imitating the earth's climate from 20,000 years ago by freezing saplings to minus 60 degrees and planting them once thawed.

Tanaka, the founder, said he experienced many setbacks over forty years developing the process and even spent $4.3 million out of his own pocket to fund it. Now with all his work finally coming into fruition, he hopes it can make a huge impact on agriculture in Japan.

source: asia.nikkei.com

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