The production of banana in Sindh is expected to decline this season owing to the damage caused by frost early this year and the subsequent high velocity winds with rising temperatures.
The supply situation is keeping prices on the higher side. Some progressive banana growers claim that up to 50pc of their estimated output would be hit this year by adverse weather conditions. The crop’s arrival in the market touches the peak between September and November, and it starts decreasing in December.
The crop is normally available round the year with varying output figures. However, extreme weather conditions this year delayed the banana crop cycle by one and a half months. Lower soil fertility coupled with non-availability of adequate water in lower Sindh reduced per acre yields.
An area of 25,920 hectares was brought under banana cultivation in 2013 which produced 100,787 metric tonnes of fruit. The latest crop figures are yet to be compiled.
