25th to 29th May

4th banana fair to take place in Delfinópolis, Brazil

The banana fair is being organized by the Banana Producers Association – ADELBA and SICOOB SAROMCREDI, the program includes lectures, field day, round tables and exhibition of machines, equipment and supplies.

As always, producers caravans are expected from several banana producing regions of Brazil and research companies, including Embrapa, Epamig and Unesp.

On the occasion, new genotypes of bananas and plantains developed by Embrapa will be presented, as well as a new variety: BRS Terra Anã. Also, a new research program to be conducted by Epamig, aiming to establish adequate nutrients leaf levels for banana
crops in the region will be announced. Technical publications will be available.

It will be an opportunity for producers to exchange experiences, listen to experts and learn about new equipment, processes and inputs. There will also be artistic programming, exhibitions of handicrafts and typical products, and contest of the largest banana bunch.

Delfinópolis is now the second largest banana producer in Minas Gerais, 150 farmers cultivate an area of 3,700 hectares. The estimated production in this year (2022) is 85,000 tons with a production value of approximately R$ 153,000,000.00.

Approximately 1,300 people work directly in the fields, not counting indirect jobs:
office workers, workshops that provide services in the construction of sheds, repair of tractors and implements, buses and other vehicles that transport employees, resale of inputs (fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides), boxes, plastic bags, masons, locksmiths, suppliers of uniforms for employees, companies of assembly and maintenance of
irrigation, suppliers of fuels.

The history of banana farming in Delfinópolis (MG) began in 1993 as an alternative to growing coffee that was undergoing very low prices. From the initiative of nine producers, Emater and the City Hall, approximately 20 hectares (50 acres) were planted at the end of that year. Some characteristics of the municipality favored the activity:
climate, soil, availability of water for irrigation and proximity to consumer markets.

Thus, from a modest beginning, the crop has become the main component of municipal agriculture, which is also great producer of soybeans (the largest in the south of Minas Gerais State), corn, sugarcane, dairy and beef cattle.

In the years 2020 and 2021 the Fair was suspended due to the covid 19 pandemic.