Research inventory on banana (Musa spp.) as trading commodities in Maluku Islands, Indonesia

This study was conducted with the aim of providing the latest situation on banana genotypic diversity present in the market places, their cultivations, their market chain and trading facilities in Maluku Province, Indonesia. A survey method was used, in which different markets, farmers and government institutions were visited and interviewed. Seventeen genotypes of three different species and different genome and ploidy levels were found at the market places with two highly demanded genotypes, Pisang Raja Hitam and Pisang 40 Hari. The major suppliers of banana commodities in Ambon markets were Ceram, Ambon, Buru, Obi and Bacan Islands. Lack of knowledge in implementing proper cultural practices, lack of capital, lack of aid provided by government and several other obstacles have been the reasons for low banana production in Maluku Province. Lack of sufficient infra-structure for large scale cultivations, storage and transport, and the use of harmful chemicals in post-harvest handling were some of the factors potentially hindering international trading of banana products. However, there were development plans by the government, which possibly improve banana export situation in the future. As an initial study in terms of value chain analysis in the province, the study should be a reference for further studies of such.