Banana is a major fruit crop of Pakistan. It is grown on 34,800 hectares with a production of 154,800 tons.
A mean temperature of about 27°C is optimal for its growth. Minimum temperature for adequate growth is about 16°C, below which growth is checked and shooting delayed.
Humidity level of at least 60 percent or more is preferable. Strong winds, greater than 4 m/sec, are major cause of crop loss due to the pseudo stems being blown down.
Under high wind conditions windbreaks are desirable in order to protect banana plants from damages caused by high wind velocity.
Banana is extensively grown in the lower part of Sindh where the soil and climatic conditions are favourable for its successful cultivation.
The total share of Sindh province alone in its cultivation in Pakistan is 87 per cent and 89 per cent in production.
Major districts in Sindh where banana is grown are Thatta, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, Naushero Feroz, and Nawabshah.
However, its cultivation has extended to northern parts of Sindh particularly district Khairpur.
Ninety five per cent of area is under Basrai variety (Cavendish dwarf), and the remaining under William Hybrid.
Recent introductions include variety Grand Nine (G-9) while the work is underway to introduce high yielding Chinese varieties viz. B-10, W-11, and Pishang.