Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Origin, Production and Distribution 3. Varieties and Their Characteristics 4. Trade International and Domestic 5. Consumption Pattern of Bananas and Plantains 6. Nutritive, Medicinal and Therapeutic Values 7. Post Harvest Losses and its Causes 8. Pre-Harvest Factors Affecting the Shelf / Storage Life and Quality 9. Post Harvest Factors Affecting The Shelf Life and Quality 10. Post Harvest Physiology, Shelf Life and Quality Changes 11. Improved Harvest, Postharvest Handling, Packaging and Transportation 12. Storage of Banana 13. Ripening and Retailing 14. Minimal Processing 15. Banana Processing and Processed Products 16. Utilization of Field Residues and Processing Wastes