This text introduces the reader to the crop known as banana, including its origin and distribution, as well as the various types cultivated throughout the country and their characteristics. It then delves into the international and domestic trade of bananas, as well as the methods by which the fruit is consumed in different parts of the world. The latter half of the text focuses specifically on the nutritive and therapeutic values of bananas, followed by a comprehensive examination of the post-harvest aspects of banana cultivation over the course of seven sections, incorporating all the latest scientific developments. Finally, the text concludes with a discussion of the processing and value-added applications of bananas, including the utilization of waste and by-products. The reader will find this information to be comprehensive and relevant to post-harvest banana and plantain cultivation.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