Commercial Gonja/Plantian Farming in Uganda
Greening Uganda
PLANTAINS / GONJA
Plantain is a member of the banana family. It is starchy, low in sugar and can be cooked or roasted over fire, as is the case in Uganda.
This plant takes about one and half years to produce a bunch of bananas, after which the mother plant dies. But new suckers sprout around its base.
THE CURRENT SITUATION
In most markets in Uganda, a bunch of plantains costs about sh15,000. Just three fingers of plantains cost sh1,000. And yet, growing this delicacy across the country is not as widespread as any money spinner should be.
Many farmers spend money on gonja, yet they could grow it themselves. It is just a few farmers, who are earning from it.
Research carried out recently shows that most of the gonja is imported from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Another survey carried out in the markets of Matugga, Kawempe, Kalerwe and Mpererwe shows that plantain is on high demand. A big bunch goes for sh30,000, or even more, depending on the number of fingers it has.
HOW ONE CAN GROW GONJA
Like any other bananas, gonja is propagated vegetatively.
The types of planting materials used are peepers, sword suckers and maiden suckers.
Peepers are young suckers appearing above the ground with large scale leaves only.
Sword suckers are formed from buds or eyes and bear narrow leaves.
Maiden suckers are taller, with broader leaves.
The recommended spacing is 10ft (3m) x 10ft (3m) and a depth of 2 by 3 ft at the onset of the rainy season like now.
Add Biochar organic manure in your holes , mix it with soil and plant in the middle of the hole. About 450 suckers can be planted on one acre.
The dry leaves should be pruned at the beginning of the rainy season and *not* during the dry season. This helps protect the stem from extreme sunshine, minimising evaporation.
Gonja matures in about 16 months.
It is tolerant to the banana weevil. The eggs of the weevil are laid at the base of the sucker so after harvest, the leaf crown and the stem should be cut at the ground level to avoid infecting the other plants.
Advantages
Plantains are more resistant to pests than other banana species.
“Buyers look for you. Our client is surprised when she get customers from far, who have been directed here by other people. And yet, her plantation is small,”
The price of a bunch ranges from sh10,000 to sh 20,000 for small and medium bunches respectively. Bigger bunches cost a lot more.
Health benefits
Other than the financial benefits that accrue from growing gonja, it is also a major source of vital nutrients. Gonja is rich in vitamin A, which helps check poor night vision, dry inflamed eyes, dry and rough skin, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
The plantain also increases resistance to infections such as a cold.
Severe deficiency of Vitamin A may cause weak bones and teeth and in extreme cases partial blindness.
Steamed gonja comprises vitamin B6 and C, which boost immunity. Vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of collagen, a structural protein that strengthens blood vessels, aiding body tissue development and boosts immunity to diseases.
Gonja improves body flexibility by energising the body thus reducing fatigue and acting as an anti-depressant.
The plantain also supports brain function, boosting memory and checking nervous system disorders and anaemia.
Doctors recommend three servings of plantain per week to keep healthy.
*We have the*
- Gonja suckers at 2,500ugx each
- Bogoya suckers at 2,500ugx each
- Ndizi suckers at 2,500ugx each
- local matooke suckers at 2,000ugx
AGROFORESTRY/FARMING LAND ACQUISITION:
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Research & Business Development Manager
Greening Uganda/Greening Forestry Services
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