Telangana Farmer Earns Up to ₹90,000 From Summer Ridge Gourd With Quality Seeds

For Anjaneyulu, a farmer from Kondareddypally village in Telangana’s Rangareddy district, summer 2026 brought better returns from ridge gourd cultivation. He harvested about six tonnes of the vegetable and earned an estimated net profit of ₹80,000–₹90,000 after meeting cultivation expenses.

The farmer received quality ridge gourd seeds supplied by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, through Telangana’s Department of Horticulture. The seeds were distributed under the Vegetable Initiative for Urban Clusters, a programme aimed at increasing vegetable cultivation during summer.

Anjaneyulu sold his ridge gourd at ₹25–₹35 per kilogram. The crop performed well during the season, with no major pest or disease problems reported. Strong market demand also helped him get better returns from the harvest.

The farmer’s experience was part of a wider seed distribution programme in Telangana. ICAR-IIHR supplied vegetable seed kits to the state horticulture department for distribution among farmers across 11 districts. The programme covered about 8,888 acres and reached nearly 71,000 beneficiaries.

For farmers growing vegetables, seed quality can affect germination, plant growth and final yield. Access to suitable varieties becomes more important during summer, when high temperatures and water availability can put additional pressure on crops. Local conditions also determine how well a variety performs.

The programme linked agricultural research with farmers through the state horticulture department. Such support can help farmers access seeds that may otherwise be difficult to obtain, while giving research organisations a way to test and extend improved crop material.

Summer vegetables can add income

Ridge gourd is a short-duration vegetable crop that can provide farmers with repeated harvests during the production period. Its market value depends on supply, demand, quality and timing. For farmers near urban markets, access to buyers can play a major role in determining final returns.

Earlier experiences from Telangana also show the income potential of vegetable cultivation when farmers combine horticulture crops with practices such as drip irrigation, mulching and trellising. These methods can improve crop management and help farmers move away from lower-return crops in suitable locations.  ICAR research has also examined ridge gourd cultivation in dry regions. A study published in Indian Horticulture found that the Thar Karni ridge gourd variety is suited to arid conditions and can support quality seed production, showing the wider scope for adapting ridge gourd cultivation to different farming environments.

Summer vegetable cultivation also faces rising heat and changing water conditions. Farmers need varieties and cultivation practices that can perform under local weather conditions. Better seed selection, irrigation management and timely crop protection can help reduce some of the risks faced during hot months.

Anjaneyulu’s experience shows how several factors worked together: quality seeds, favourable crop performance, limited pest and disease pressure and good market prices. None of these factors alone guarantees profit. Farmers still need to consider production costs, water availability, labour and the price they can receive at harvest.

For Telangana farmers, the case offers a simple lesson. Better access to quality seeds can open opportunities for summer vegetable production when the crop suits local conditions and markets. Linking farmers with research institutions and horticulture departments can help turn that access into higher farm returns.