Teasel Gourd: Kantola cultivation is the best way to earn extra income, know where to get Kantola seeds and how to do farming

Kantola, also known as Kakode, Karkotki, Sweet bitter gourd, etc., is a pumpkin crop. Kantola is cultivated in some states of India. Currently, Kantola is being cultivated mostly in West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra and North Eastern states.

Along with making vegetables and pickles, Kantola is also used as a medicine. Apart from being delicious, its vegetable is rich in protein and anti-oxidants. By consuming it daily, the body remains healthy. It is said that it contains 50 times protein than meat. This vegetable is usually seen in the market during the rainy season. In view of its health benefits, there is immense potential for success in the cultivation of Kantola, because gradually now the awareness about healthy eating has increased among the urban people as well. Let us tell you that in certain types of wild areas, Kantola also grows on its own. The crop can be obtained from its female plants for 8-10 years. How can Kantola be cultivated? Where can you get kantola seeds? We will tell you many such information in this article.

Soil and Climate

Although Kantola can be cultivated in any type of soil, but its plants grow well in sandy soil. For its good crop it is necessary to have proper drainage system in the field and the pH value of the soil should be between 6-7. It can be cultivated well in hot and humid climate. The temperature should be between 20-30 degree celsius for a good crop.

How to prepare the farm? 

Before sowing, plow the field to remove the remnants of the old crop thoroughly and clean the area. After that pour water in the field and leave it. After the water dries up, till the soil by plowing the soil. After this, make it uniform by rolling the dough. To get good yield of Kantola, it is necessary to apply proper amount of natural and chemical fertilizers. After the first plowing of the field, apply 200 to 250 quintals of decomposed cow dung per hectare and mix it in the soil. Then at the time of last plowing, 375 kg SSP, 65 kg urea and 67 kg MOP should be sprayed per hectare.

Also Read: Digambarbhai Valvi got a big profit from the production of moong seed, sold the moong as a seed instead of selling it as a grain 

Sowing method 

For the cultivation of Kantola, first its seeds have to be prepared in the nursery and then its seedlings are transplanted in the fields. Plants prepared in nursery are planted in pits. Planting pits are made in rows at a distance of 2 metres. Keep a distance of 4 meters from row to row and make 9 to 10 pits in each row. In this, transplant female plants in 7 to 8 pits and male plants in the rest. After transplanting the plants, cover them well with soil from all sides.

In how many days the crop is ready ? 

The first crop of Kantola is ready for harvesting in two and a half to three months, but then the size of the fruit is slightly smaller. It can be harvested even after a year, by which time the fruits become large and of good quality. There is a huge demand for good quality Kantola in the market. It can be sold at Rs 150 per kg or more, which will bring good profits to the farmers.

From where to get Kantola seeds ? 

The Kantola variety Indira Kankoda-1 and Indira Agakara (RMF-37) are the most widely used for its commercial cultivation. These have been developed by Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur. Both are considered excellent and disease resistant varieties. For more information about the seeds of this variety of Kantola, you can call on the number 077124 42537 of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur. Apart from this, you can contact your nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra. At the same time, Kantola seeds are also available on many e-commerce sites like Amazon, Flipkart, Indiamart and Big Haat.

Also Read: Cakes and breads will be made from apple pulp i.e. Apple Pomace, agricultural industries got a new way of earning

Kantola can be cultivated as intercrop farming 

Ratna Pandian R, a resident of Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, started cultivating Kantola along with coconut cultivation as an intercrop. He planted 250 Kantola saplings among coconut trees. The coconut tree was used as a support, in which the vines of Kantola could be organized, this saved the cost of separate pole. The cost of cultivation of Kantola cost him 15 to 20 thousand. He got an additional income of Rs.40,000 from 0.5 acres of coconut orchards.

Nutrient rich Kantola 

Carbohydrates, protein, calcium, fibre, sodium, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, etc., as well as vitamin A, vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, vitamin C, vitamin D2, D3. Vitamin H and Vitamin K are present in sufficient quantity. This is the reason that its consumption makes the body strong and it is considered very beneficial in jaundice to diabetes, piles, blood pressure, fever etc. In addition, it is easily digested and contains absolutely no calories, making it a great option for those looking to lose weight. 

Contact us: If farmers want to share information or experiences related to farming with us, then they can do this by calling us on the phone number 9599273766 or by writing an email to kisanofindia.mail@gmail.com or by sending your recording. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.

You can connect with Kisan of India on Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp and Subscribe to our YouTube channel.