Sustainability Assessment Of Organic Versus Conventional Production Systems In Banana (Musa AAB, cv. Nendran): Yield, Fruit Quality And Soil Fertility In The West Coast Plains And Hills Region Of India
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Abstract
A field-based comparative study was undertaken during the year 2018-2020 to assess the sustainability of organic versus conventional production systems in banana (Musa AAB, cv. Nendran) under farmer-managed conditions in the West Coast Plains and Hills region of India. Ten farms (five organic and five conventional) with more than five years of consistent management were evaluated for fruit yield, biochemical composition, sensory qualities, and soil fertility parameters.
Yield attributes such as bunch weight, number of hands, and finger size were largely comparable across both systems, demonstrating that organic management did not compromise productivity. However, significant differences were observed in fruit quality. Organically cultivated bananas exhibited higher total soluble solids (26.5–31.3 °Brix), total sugars (15.7–19.3%), ascorbic acid content (36–42 mg/100 g), β-carotene levels (502–653 µg/100 g), and improved sugar-to-acid ratio compared to conventional produce. Fruits from the organic system also recorded extended shelf life (6–8 days vs. 5–6 days) and superior organoleptic properties. Sensory evaluation of ripe fruits and processed banana chips revealed consistently higher scores for colour, flavour, texture, and overall acceptability under organic cultivation. Soil analyses clearly indicated advantages of organic management, with higher organic carbon (0.49–0.91%), improved macro- and micronutrient availability, lower bulk density (1.216 g/cm³), and greater water-holding capacity (50.2%) compared to conventional soils. These parameters reflect enhanced soil structure and long-term fertility under organic systems. The findings demonstrate that organic farming sustains banana yield while enhancing fruit quality, nutritional composition, and soil health. Adoption of integrated organic nutrient management, particularly farmyard manure combined with in situ green manuring, emerges as a promising strategy for sustainable cultivation of Nendran banana in the region. This study provides empirical evidence that organic production systems can serve as a viable alternative to conventional methods, ensuring agronomic productivity, nutritional superiority, and environmental sustainability in perennial fruit crops.
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