Banana Program
Banana program aims to conduct research to increase yield through selection of banana varieties, keeping banana germplasm collection, promotion of good agronomic practices, and integrated control of pests and diseases. Variety selection is based on variety introductions from advanced banana breeding centers – FHIA-Honduras, IITA-East Africa, ITC-Belgium and Taiwan. Banana germplasm collection at RAB Rubona and RAB-Ngoma stations contain 117 banana varieties which were collected in Rwanda or exotic introduced from outside. FHIA-17 and FHIA-25 are the released varieties today.
A package of good agronomic practices and appropriate disease and pest control was developed and currently promoted via trainings of farmer promoters, use of ICT tools (e.g. BXW App), radio and TV talks and banana rehabilitation and disease control campaigns conducted jointly with the districts having banana in annual Imihigo plans. Printed and electronic extension material may be requested and is available at RAB stations via Banana Program staff.