Banana growers in Amazonas, Acre, and Rondônia are observing productivity shifts due to a fungicide application method developed by Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental (AM). This method targets black sigatoka, a prevalent banana disease in the Amazon region. The technique has not only increased productivity but also facilitated the reintroduction of traditional banana varieties into the market, ensuring the viability of banana farming in the region.
The findings are detailed in the Impact Assessment Report of Technologies by Embrapa, authored by researchers Francisco de Assis Correa Silva, Lindomar de Jesus de Sousa Silva, and Márcio Muniz Albano Bayma. The report underscores the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the technology, which has been instrumental in sustaining banana cultivation cherished by Amazonian communities.
Researcher Lindomar Silva notes, "The impacts were mostly positive, showing significant improvements in income generation, enabling the development of the property in a sustainable way, enabling production capable of contributing to the development of family production units and ensuring that the population has access to an important fruit: the banana."
The technology's adoption has addressed structural challenges like packaging facilities and adherence to black sigatoka risk mitigation, opening new market avenues for rural producers. Embrapa's Amazonas Unit developed the technology, which was validated in Acre and Rondônia. Demonstration Units were established to train stakeholders, distribute materials, and offer lectures to facilitate technology transfer. The applicator, introduced in 2001 and made available in 2008, saw adoption begin in 2009.
The technique involves applying fungicide to the axil of the banana plant's second leaf, using equipment made from a veterinary syringe, a silicone or latex hose, and a curved pipe. This method allows for precise fungicide application, requiring just three applications per production cycle.
Traditional banana varieties, once diminished due to black sigatoka, are reappearing in local markets. "With the availability of technology to control black sigatoka, traditional bananas have been able to return to the tables of people from Amazonas, Acre, and Rondônia," a researcher comments.
Production data from IBGE (2023) indicates increased banana productivity in Acre, Amazonas, and Rondônia between 2013 and 2022. Acre's production rose from 77.7 thousand to 82.8 thousand tons, with productivity reaching 12.4 t/ha in 2022. Amazonas saw production grow from 84.7 thousand to 88.7 thousand tons, with a productivity increase of 14.4 t/ha. Rondônia's production increased from 70.6 thousand to 81.9 thousand tons, with productivity reaching 11.6 t/ha.
Producer Cristiana Gomes from Presidente Figueiredo (AM) shares, "With Embrapa's technique, my entire way of planting has changed. Before, I had to plant every year because of the disease, but now I've been planting Pacovan since 2018 and it continues to produce satisfactory bunches, beautiful bunches."
Banana production primarily targets traditional markets, with some supply directed towards institutional programs like the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) and the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), often using disease-resistant cultivars.
Source: Abrafrutas