Produção da banana-nanica no município de Botucatu, estado de São Paulo: importância socioeconômica e aspectos tecnológicos.

Abstract

Brazil is a major producer of bananas and knowing the fruit's production chain is essential to improve production efficiency. This study aimed to characterize the main actors and technical aspects of banana farming in the municipality of Botucatu, SP. The information was obtained by sampling in farmlands. In the municipality, cultivation takes place on small farms, with the family as the main responsible for production and management. Fertilizers and pesticides are obtained mainly outside the property. The crop occupies an average of 32% of the total area of the properties. There is no processing of the fruits. Irrigation (little used) and bagging of bunches (not used) are the most deficient cultural treatments. Average productivity is higher than the national average. The local market is the main destination for production. Production and revenue are regular or good throughout the year for more than half of the farmers.