Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Banana and Plantain Farmers

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the Hurricane Beryl continues to strengthen as it moves westerly into the Caribbean.

Banana and plantain farmers are been advised to implement the following practices to minimize the impact of the hurricane associated with heavy rains and high winds:

o Clear all main drains to allow the free flow of water typically associated with hurricanes or storms.
o Carry out deep harvesting of bunches where practical.
o Support plants bearing fruit with bamboo to prevent them from toppling.
o Trim trees that may pose a threat.
o Spray banana and plantain for control of Sigatoka disease before onset of rains.
o Secure storerooms with hurricane straps if not already in place.
o Ensure fertilizers and pesticides are stored in well secure, dry place and placed ground on pallets or shelves as applicable.

After the Impact
o Assess fields and make claim to risk benefit provider immediately, where applicable.
o Harvest ready bunches or cover them with dried leaves to avoid sunburn.
o Cover other bunches estimated to be ready for harvest within 6 weeks.
o Commence cleanup operations with the primary goal of providing full support to crop suckers. Consult your Banana Board Field Officer for more details.
o Replant all uprooted mats with large sword suckers (4-5 feet tall).
o Pay close attention to weed management since the field will be more exposed to full sunlight.
o Emphasize borer management as they will have more food sources during the cleanup exercise, leading to increased populations. A similar trend will follow with nematodes.
o Carry out timely (2-4 weeks) application of fertilizer using Sulphate of Ammonia or Urea.
o Prune the field within 2-4 weeks after the damage.
o Clean all silted drains and remove all obstacles.

Advisory from the Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA)