This Andhra Pradesh Farmer Cultivates Ridge Gourds Via Organic Farming

Switching from traditional farming methods to organic cultivation will mean better quality of crops minus the harmful chemicals. It will also be profitable and beneficial for our health. One farmer from Andhra Pradesh has successfully switched to the organic way of farming. Krishna Reddy of Baireddipalle Mandal, from Cheelampalle village, Mahbubnagar, is cultivating Ridge Gourd crops by using manure, sprinkler irrigation, along with mulching paper in his two-acre field. Krishna is quite happy with the high profits he is making. Currently, the price of Ridge Gourd in the market is Rs 20 per kg.

For the cultivation of this vegetable, the land is first ploughed, which means the soil is turned over. The next step is to harrow the land. Harrowing the land is done using farm equipment called a harrow. It is a mechanical method to remove weeds, and break clods and create a better soil structure called tilth, to make the soil suitable for planting seeds. This helps in aerating the soil. Organic fertilisers are sprinkled on the land to make the soil fertile. Then about two to four weeks later, the land is levelled. Later, with the help of a tractor, beds (rows) are prepared with a drip irrigation system installed. Mulching paper is also placed to reduce the evaporation of moisture from the roots, regulate the soil temperature, reduce soil erosion and the growth of weeds.

Within a month of sowing the seeds, plants grow up to a height of 9 inches. Organic medicines are sprayed to keep insects and pests at bay. As per Krishna Reddy, the yield has been good. Ridge Gourd pods are ready to be harvested. The farmer said that about Rs 1 lakh per acre will be required for the cultivation of the vegetable. Currently, the price of vegetables in Palamaner, Venkatagirikota (V.Kota), Bangaru Palyam, Punganur and Chittoor towns is Rs 30 to 40 per kg.

For Ridge Gourd cultivation, there is no need for a large amount of labour. The pods are harvested, separated, packed in cardboard boxes and then transported to the markets of Palamaner, Venkatagirikota (V.Kota), Bangaru Palyam, Punganur and Chittoor towns. Krishna Reddy is happy that if the prices remain such, he will get a good yield and earn profits.