Propagation

• The suckers arise from the axils of the leaves below the ground level and come to flowering early (15-18 months)
• About 250-500 gm of suckers 250-450g slips and 40-45cm crowns are selected for planting.
• The planting materials should be treated with mercurial fungicide.
• The planting materials should not be stored more than 14 days;
• Suckers production can be enhanced by giving additional nitrogenous fertilizers and more water.

Planting

• Planting is done during rainy season,
• The best season for planting is the beginning of the rainy season. But in heavy rainfall areas, they are planted after the rainy season is over i.e. August- September
• Before planting suckers or slips should be sun-cured, dry leaves and scales at the base should be removed basal end of planting materials
• Should be dipped in 0.4 per cent difolton and 2 gram/lit per cent macozeb to avoid fungal infestation.
• The suckers or slips are planted in 10-15 cm deep holes, while planting;
• The growing part should not be buried.
• Planting may be done in single or double row systems.

Planting system

• Single row system: 75×60 cm.
• Double row system: 30×60 cm.
• In single row system we can accommodate about 15,000 -20,000 plants/ha – yields about 20t/ha.