Potential Contributions of Banana Fruits and Residues to Multiple Applications: An Overview

Banana is among the most widely cultivated tropical plants for their diverse applications and benefits. However, this plant is being disregarded or overlooked. Therefore, the review sought to analyse the use of banana fruits and residues as a potential source of phytonutrients, phytochemicals, bioenergy, biofertilizer, and various other applications . The review was based on secondary data and information sourced from Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Annually, approximately 125 million tons of bananas and 250 million tons of fresh residues are produced, highlighting their pivotal role in nutrition, health, and industrial processes. Banana fruits and residues have proven to be good sources of phytonutrients and phytochemicals that offer therapeutic benefits. Banana by-products also hold promise in promoting sustainability through applications such as bioenergy and biofertilizers. For instance, banana peels serve as a substrate for biogas production, while starches derived from bananas are used to produce bioethanol. Additionally, biodiesel production from banana oil not only provides a renewable energy source but also addresses agricultural waste management. In agriculture, banana residues enhance soil fertility and productivity when processed into biofertilizers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Fibres from banana plants find applications in the production of environmentally friendly textiles, while their bioactive compounds hold potential for pharmaceutical advancements. The multifaceted uses of bananas and their residues, spanning food, medicine, bioenergy, and industrial domains, underscore their importance as a resource for sustainable development.