Chow Chow Farming: Chow Chow vegetable is the medicine for a thousand diseases, know how to cultivate it

Farming: The scientific name of Chow Chow is Sechium edule. This vine plant originated in Mexico and Guatemala, but today it has made its mark in America, Europe, Africa, China and South-Asian countries. Chow Chow is cultivated on a large scale in the hilly areas of India, especially in the Sirumalai Hills of Tamil Nadu.

Do you know that Chow Chow, commonly known as Mexican squash or vegetable pear, is not only very beneficial for your health but is also a profitable crop for farmers? It is cultivated in a unique way, which is not only environmentally friendly but also sustainable. Let’s talk about its cultivation, benefits, and characteristics.

Origin and global identity of Chow Chow

The scientific name of Chow Chow is Sechium edule. This vine plant originated in Mexico and Guatemala, but today it has spread its wings in America, Europe, Africa, China and South Asian countries. In the hilly areas of India, especially in the Sirumalai Hills of Tamil Nadu, Chow Chow is cultivated on a large scale.

Chow Chow plant and its use

This plant belongs to the Cucurbitaceous family and grows in the form of a vine like gourd or ridge gourd. Every part of Chow Chow is useful – fruit, stem, leaves, and even roots. Its fruit looks like a pear and is bright green in color.

It is used as a vegetable as well as a medicine. It helps in overcoming problems like obesity, diabetes, blood sugar, and ulcers.

Benefits of Chow Chow

Helpful in fighting cancer
It contains nutrients that can prevent the growth of cancer cells.

Reduces obesity
Chow Chow is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps in weight loss.
Useful in injury and burns
It can be used as a medicine in case of injury or burns.
Controls blood sugar
It is an effective remedy for diabetes and blood sugar patients.
Beneficial in ulcers and constipation
Its consumption strengthens the digestive system and heals ulcers.

Controls thyroid

It helps in treating thyroid.
Anti-aging properties
Chow Chow slows down the aging process of the skin.
How to cultivate Chow Chow?

Chow Chow cultivation requires special soil and climate-

Soil: Acidic, well-drained soil with pH 5.5 – 6.5.
Climate: Temperature of 18-22 degrees Celsius and altitude of 1200-1500 meters.
Timing time and method of planting:

It is sown between April and May.
Seeds are sown at a distance of 6 meters in the fields and cow dung manure, urea, and super phosphate are used.

Being a vine plant, a pandal is made with the help of a pole of 2 meters or more.

Crop care

Yield can be increased by taking good care of the Chow Chow crop:

Do weeding:

Do not let weeds grow around the crop.

Protection from pests and diseases:

The number of flies increases during the rainy season. Before sowing, plow the field deeply and remove the pupae.

Spray Dimethoate 30 EC for mosaic disease.

Harvesting and production

Fruit harvesting starts after 55-60 days.

While harvesting the crop, care should be taken that the vine does not get damaged.

A sharp knife is used for harvesting.

Two types of Chow Chow

Green fruits
White fruits
Demand for Chow Chow in India

Chow Chow cultivation in many parts of India has increased the income of farmers tremendously. Its demand is increasing rapidly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Himachal Pradesh. Its cultivation is not only economically beneficial, but it is also environmentally friendly. Chow Chow is not only beneficial for health, but it is a crop that can make the income of farmers stable and profitable. This plant is an example of modern agriculture, which gives priority to health along with sustainable farming.