Fasals

Bitter gourd, widely known for its medicinal, nutritional, and health benefits, is a popular crop with a high demand in the market, making its cultivation profitable. It is primarily used for juice and culinary purposes. Bitter gourd is a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, beta-carotene, zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, folate, and calcium. It is known to boost immunity, cleanse the liver and blood, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in weight management.

Climate / Temperature:

Bitter gourd thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. It requires a hot and humid environment for optimal growth and is intolerant to frost or extreme cold conditions.

Water Demand:

Regular irrigation is essential for bitter gourd, especially during hot and dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Typically, the crop requires 8-9 irrigations throughout its growth cycle.

Soil:

Bitter gourd grows best in well-drained sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for cultivation is between 6.5 and 7.5.

Major Varieties:

1. Punjab Karela-15: Features soft, toothed dark green leaves and hairy green stems. The fruit is matte and dark green, yielding around 51 quintals per acre.
2. Punjab Kareli-1 (2009): A robust variety with long, soft, dark green leaves. It yields approximately 70 quintals per acre.
3. Punjab Jhar Karela-1 (2017): This variety has medium-sized vines and green leaves. It is resistant to viral and nematode infections and yields around 35 quintals per acre.

Sowing of Crops: The ideal sowing time is between February and March or June and July. Use about 2.0 kg of seeds per acre for optimal planting.

Suitable Time of Sowing: For the best results, sowing should be done in early spring or during the monsoon season, depending on regional climatic conditions.

Field Preparation: Prepare the field by plowing it 2-3 times to break up the soil thoroughly. This ensures proper aeration and supports healthy root development.

Crop Cycle: The crop typically matures within 55-60 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvesting should be done every 2-3 days as the fruits ripen.

Water Management: The first irrigation should be done immediately after sowing. During summer, irrigate the crop every 6-7 days, while in the rainy season, irrigate only as needed.

Weed Management: Weed control is crucial during the early growth stages. Perform hand weeding 2-3 times to ensure healthy crop growth. Fertilizers should be applied during the final weeding.

Harvesting: Bitter gourd fruits are ready for harvest 55-60 days after sowing. Harvest every 2-3 days to ensure the fruits are picked at the correct stage of maturity.

Diseases & Disease Prevention:

1. Powdery Mildew: Causes white spots on the upper surface of leaves, leading to drying. Control it with a spray of Carbendazim (3 grams per liter of water).
2. Downy Mildew: Affects the lower surface of leaves. Manage it with Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil spray (2 grams per liter of water) at intervals of 10-12 days.

Pest Control:

1. Aphids: These pests suck the sap from leaves, causing them to yellow and fall. Control with a spray of Imidacloprid (0.5 ml per liter of water).
2. Thrips: These cause curling of the leaves. Control them with Dicofol spray (2.5 ml per liter of water).
3. Fruit Borer: A pest that damages flowers, leaves, and stems. Control with Malathion spray (1 ml per liter of water).

Seed Production: For seed production, carefully monitor the plant's vegetative growth, flowering, and fruiting. Maintain a distance of 1000 meters from other varieties. Inspect the field regularly and remove diseased plants. Choose mature fruits for seed extraction and dry them thoroughly before seed extraction.