BITTER GOURD

Another name of Bitter gourd is “bitter melon” and is also known as “Karela” in Hindi. The botanical name of bitter gourd is Memordica charantia and it belongs to the family of “Cucurbitaceae”. It is popularly known for its medicinal, nutritional and other excellent health benefits. Because of its high demand in the market, bitter gourd farming is done very successful. Bitter gourd is mainly used for making juice and for culinary purpose. It is a rich source of Vitamin B1, B2 and B3, C, beta-carotene, zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, folate and calcium. It has health benefits such as it helps in preventing blood disorders, detoxifies blood and liver, boosts immune system and helps in weight control.   

Sandy loam soil which is rich in organic content and has good drainage property is ideal for the bitter gourd cultivation. The pH of the soil ranging from 6.5-7.5 is best for bitter gourd farming. 

For bitter gourd farming, well prepared land is required. To bring the soil to fine tilth, 2-3 ploughings should be done followed by weeding. 

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Bitter gourd crop required well decomposed cow dung @8-10ton/acre, Nitrogen@32kg (Urea@70kg), Phosphorus@ 24kg (SSP@150kg) and Potash@24kg/acre (MOP@40kg). Apply well decomposed cow dung, full dose of Potash and Phosphorus, and one-third of Nitrogen, two to three week before seed sowing. Apply remaining dose of Nitrogen in two equal splits. Provide first dose 25-30days after sowing and second dose 40-50days after sowing. 

In rainy season, crop do not required irrigation. If necessary, depending upon rainfall intensity and frequency provide irrigation. Avoid water logging conditions in soil. Provide proper drainage. In summer season, provide irrigation at interval of 7 to 10days. In May-June, apply irrigation at interval of 4-5days.

Intercultural operations are carried out for weed control. To control the weeds, 2-3 hoeings should be done in initial stage of plant growth. Weeding operations should be carried out in the soil at the time of fertilizer application and mainly earthing up is done during rainy season. 

• Disease and their control:

Downy mildew: If infestation is observed spraying of Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil@2gm/ltr is done twice at the interval of 10-12 days.

•  Pest and their control:

Depending upon season and variety the crop is ready to harvest in 55-60 days. Picking of fruit is done after the interval of 2-3 days. 

Rouging should be done three times i.e. first at vegetative phase, second at flowering stage and third at the time of fruiting stage. Keep isolation distance of 1000m from other varieties of bitter gourd. Remove diseased plants from the field. Place one honey bee colony for the production of good seed yield. For seed production, the fruits are harvested when the fruit turns dark yellow to orange in color. After harvesting seeds are taken out form pulp, then they are cleaned and are shade dried.