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Matooke (Banana) Farming in Uganda: How to Grow Bigger Bunches

12 February 2026

Matooke (Banana) Farming in Uganda: How to Grow Bigger Bunches

Matooke is central to Uganda's diet and economy. Good management can double bunch sizes compared to neglected plantations.

Planting material

Tissue culture plantlets are free of pests and diseases. Clean suckers from healthy fields are an alternative.

Spacing

A common spacing is 3 metres by 3 metres, about 450 mats per acre.

Management

  • Keep three plants per mat: mother, daughter and granddaughter
  • Mulch heavily to retain moisture
  • Apply manure and compost regularly
  • Remove old leaves and prop heavy bunches

Banana bacterial wilt

Remove male buds with a forked stick, disinfect tools, uproot infected plants and avoid moving planting material from infected areas.

Weevils and nematodes

Use clean planting material, trap weevils and keep the plantation clean.

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