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Information about Ridge gourd is a vital and nutritious vegetable. Its cultivation is widespread in India. Oil is also extracted from the dried seeds of Ridge gourd. Due to the high water content in the fruit, its flesh remains cool. There is a demand for torai in markets ranging from small towns to big cities. It is a cash crop abundant in calcium, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin E.
Ridge gourd can be cultivated in various types of soil with good water retention capacity. For optimal yields loamy or sandy loam soil is preferred. A pH range of 6-7 is considered ideal for cultivation. Warm and humid climates are essential for its growth. It can be planted during both the summer and monsoon seasons. The optimal temperature for cultivation ranges from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius.
Sowing Time for Ridge gourd: The summer crop of Ridge gourd is typically sown between February and March, while the monsoon crop is sown from June to July. Approximately 3-5 kilograms of seeds are needed per hectare for sowing. The torai crop is ready to yield fruit within 70-80 days.
Ridge gourd cultivation employs the furrow method. Initially, the field undergoes plowing and leveling. Then, furrows are created vertically. Subsequently, seeds are sown at a distance of 50-60 cm on both sides of the furrows, with ridges measuring 45 cm and furrows 30-40 cm deep. It's recommended to plant at least one to two seeds per spot, and upon germination, thinning out to one plant is advised. Utilizing ridge planting in the field enhances yields by improving soil temperature and moisture retention, leading to superior seed germination and weed prevention, ultimately boosting productivity.
Fertilizers and Manure: To enhance yields of Ridge gourd, incorporate 20-25 tons of well-decomposed cow dung manure per hectare, along with 30-40 kg of nitrogen, 25-30 kg of phosphorus, and 25-30 kg of potassium per hectare. Apply half of the nitrogen and the full amount of phosphorus and potassium to the field at the time of sowing. The remaining half of the nitrogen should be applied near the roots as top dressing 30-40 days after sowing.
Irrigation for Ridge gourd: Irrigation is typically unnecessary for the rainy season crop of Ridge gourd. However, if there is a moisture deficit in the field, irrigation should be provided. The yield of the summer crop relies on irrigation. Irrigation should be conducted at intervals of 4-5 days during the summers.
Harvesting and Storage: The harvesting of Ridge gourd should always be done in a tender state. Delayed harvesting can lead to the formation of tough fibers. The fruits should be harvested at intervals of 6-7 days. A total of 8 harvests can be carried out for this crop. To keep the fruits fresh, they should be stored in cool and shaded areas and sprinkled with water from time to time.
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