In Dagana’s Tsangkha Gewog, banana growers are troubled by an unidentified infestation damaging the fruit. The disease has been affecting banana production for a few years, leaving farmers worried about their income. They have been growing bananas as one of the main cash crops for years.
With just a few alternative cash crops, most farmers in Tsangkha’s Paateykha Chiwog grow bananas. They cultivate up to six varieties of bananas.
Farmers say bananas are easier to grow, and marketing has never been a challenge as local vendors collect the fruit directly from their doorsteps.
However, both yield and quality have been declining for the past three years. Farmers say the disease causes bananas to develop a hard substance inside, which turns dark just when the fruit matures.
The infection begins at the banana trunks and gradually spreads to the fruit.
“I used to send a bolero-load of bananas every week. And it used to fetch me Nu 4,000 weekly. But after the disease, buyers have stopped taking our bananas,” said Jigme Wangmo, Farmer, Paateykha, Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana.
“Bananas are easy to grow. We just have to uproot the surrounding grasses. But now, insects are destroying banana trees and fruits. Our harvest was good earlier, but not anymore,” said Yuden, Farmer, Paateykha, Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana.
“The infestation affects bananas both in summer and winter. As a result, we are unable to harvest the fruit for commercial purposes,” said Chandra Bdr. Chuwan, Farmer, Paateykha, Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana.
Despite the growing concern, farmers in the chiwog have not yet reported the problem to the Gewog Agriculture Extension Office.
The Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor said the problem is not due to infestation, as farmers suspect, but rather the development of banana stones.
The official added that banana stones usually develop when wild banana plants are grown in catchment areas as animal feeders. He said replacing the rhizomes of banana plants will help resolve the problem.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Phub Gyem
