Bhimkal or Athiyakol is the common name (Assamese) of a banana species in Assam , India. This is Musa Balbisinana Colla is a robust plant under the family Musaceae. Like other banana species it is used for many purposes including production of nutritious baby food, pseudo-stem as feed to cattle, pig etc and many other purposes. The tender suckers generally below the height of 0.6 m is a preferred vegetable by many people, the bloosom or heart of this species is another preferred food over other species.
In banana cultivation more importance is given on increasing the size and production of fruits and desuckering is normally recommended for the same.
In contrast to the above, suckers too have a good market, production of fibre too have a good potential due to the robust size of the plant which may even be more economically profitable. What are the ways to increase the production of suckers and fibre in Banana. Is there any research done in this sector ?
We had conducted extensive surveys to identify intra-clonal variability in native banana varieties of Karnataka. Though it is a known fact that banana is commonly propagated through suckers, considerable variability is present in nature. We should identify the plants with desirable traits. As suckers are used for various religious purposes and for other reasons, there is good demand for suckers in local markets. Considering the importance of suckers, we had published an article in the Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources in which we have presented the variability observed in two native banana varieties. You may go through the article and conduct surveys on similar line to identify free suckering types. It is a very practical approach. The article is attached herewith for your reference.
With best wishes,
Dr. Ajit Waman.
Thank you So Much Dr Ajit Arun Waman for your suggestions and answer.
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