Sirohi (Rajasthan):
During the summer season, cultivating climber vegetables like cucumber, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin, and ridge gourd can help farmers earn significantly better profits. However, the use of the right techniques and selection of suitable soil is crucial for success. As per the Assistant Agriculture Officer of Sirohi Agriculture Department, farmers must follow some key practices to ensure a high yield of these vegetables.
Loamy or sandy-loam soils with good drainage are considered ideal for cultivating cucurbit crops. The soil must also contain an adequate amount of organic matter.
Before sowing, deep ploughing of the field is essential, followed by light tilling to make the soil crumbly. The ideal pH level should be between 6 and 7.5. Mixing well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost improves soil fertility and overall crop health.
The best time to sow these vegetables during summer is between February and March. The recommended seed rate for different crops is as follows:
Before sowing, seeds should be treated with fungicides. Alternatively, farmers may also raise seedlings and adopt transplanting methods.
Irrigation & Water Management: Regular irrigation is crucial during the early growth phase. However, overwatering should be strictly avoided, as it may lead to root rot and crop failure. Maintaining water balance is the key to the success of climber vegetable farming.
Balanced Use of Fertilizers: Farmers are advised to get their soil tested before applying fertilizers. Based on the soil test, appropriate amounts of chemical or organic fertilizers should be used. This not only improves crop quality but also reduces input costs.
Pest & Disease Management:
These crops are prone to pests like fruit flies, leaf miners, and aphids. Additionally, fungal and viral infections can significantly affect yield.
To tackle these issues, farmers should rely on timely application of pesticides, adopt organic control methods, and ensure regular crop monitoring.
Protect the Crop from Weeds & Weather:
Weed management should be prioritized, as weeds compete with crops for nutrients. If farmers wish to grow these vegetables in other seasons too, polyhouse techniques can be adopted to produce early-season crops and increase profitability.
Choose High-Yielding Varieties: Selecting high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties is essential for better returns. These improved varieties not only provide faster growth but also attract higher market prices due to superior quality.
Farmers cultivate cucurbit vegetables using scientific techniques, they can not only achieve bumper harvests but also earn substantial profits in the market. The advice provided by the Sirohi Agriculture Department can prove highly beneficial for farmers across the region.
