How to Start Bitter Gourd Cultivation Business?

This article covers various aspects of Bitter Gourd or Karela Farming, such as its health benefits, varieties, and cultivation process. So, do you want to start this farming?

Momordica charantia, best known as Bitter gourd Bitter melon or Karela, is frequently chosen for its medicinal qualities. This vegetable is well-liked in Southeast Asia and has gained a lot of fame worldwide.

Depending on the area, it may also be referred to as Bitter melon, Karela, or balsam pear. It is cultivated on a large scale throughout India and it can be successfully grown from sea level elevations to roughly 1200 m.

During both seasons, this flavorful vegetable can be planted in low-country and mid-country regions. Moreover, even with a limited plot of land, the growing bitter gourd will result in considerable profits.

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The leading producers of bitter gourd in the world are China, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand. In India, the major production areas are Maharastra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

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In certain countries, bitter gourd cultivation in a greenhouse is a common practice. High-quality seeds, advanced technologies, and longer growing periods have made it into a very lucrative industry even for small-scale farmers.

Bitter Gourd/ Karela Farming Guide – Benefits, Varieties, Cultivation Process

Health Benefits of Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd has several health benefits and is often taken to regulate blood sugar levels. Drinking bitter gourd juice regularly helps to stop the increase in blood sugar.
Bitter gourd has great antioxidant properties.
This remedy can help lessen chronic coughs and breathing issues by removing accumulated sputum in the lungs and respiratory passages.
Consumption of this juice will help to erase the fine lines from the top layer of the skin and prevent premature aging.
Bitter gourd is extremely effective for weight loss due to its fiber, low carbohydrates, and few calories.

Best Varieties

One has a large selection of hybrid and open-pollinated varieties to select from. Generally, hybrids provide more in the way of yield, but they have very pricey seeds and must be repurchased for each subsequent planting.

The seeds that come with open-pollinated varieties may be saved for future use. Examples of some varieties of bitter gourd include Pusa Domousmi, Coimbatore, Long, Arka Harit, Long green, etc.

1. Hirkani: Developed by choosing from local germination sources, Hirkani was released in 1991 for western Maharashtra. Its fruit is dark green and measures 15-20 cm with prickles; its lifecycle duration is 160 days. The average yield is 138 quintals per hectare.

2. Phule Green Gold: This fruit was formed by selectively crossing Green Long and Delhi Local, then released in 1996. Its fruits are dark green and measure 25-30 cm long and have prickles.

Its crop season lasts for 150-180 days, providing an average yield of 230 quintals per hectare, and it is tolerant to downy mildew.

3. Phule Priyanka: Boasting both the Kharif and summer seasons, this F1 hybrid from MPKV, Rahuri is ideal for these periods. The fruits it produces are a dark green color, coarse to the touch with an average length of 20 cm. With about 200 quintals per hectare gained off of this hybrid, it also offers some resistance to downy mildew.

4. The Konkan Tara variety yields around 15-20 tonnes per hectare and has dark green prickles, medium-long and spindle-shaped fruits that have a good shelf life and are ideal for exporting.

5. Phule Ujwala: The foliage of this variety displays a deep shade of green, and the stem is green in color. On average, each fruit weighs 84 g; is 18 cm in length, and is 4.5 cm in diameter. Maturation occurs after a period of 180 days and yields around 174 quintals per hectare when harvested.

Agro Climatic Requirement

Bitter gourd is a warm-season crop that thrives best in hot and humid weather, which is also suitable for the cultivation of other cucurbits. Usually grown as an annual, the plant can function as a perennial in areas with mild, snow-free winters.

Bitter gourd grows optimally between 24-27 degrees celsius but can survive in colder climates. It is found in lowland areas in the tropics to altitudes of up to 1,000 meters. However, cool temperatures hinder its growth and frost is deadly for the plant.

Suitable Soil

Bitter gourd can survive in many types of soil, but it prefers a well-drained loamy soil that is abundant with organic material.

The optimal pH level for the dirt is 6.0-6.7, though plants can still endure in alkaline soils up to 8.0 pH levels. When getting started, thorough land planning and preparation of the bed are vital.

Plow, harrow, and rototill the field and shape 20 cm high beds during the dry season or 30 cm (or even bigger) during the wet season with a plow or mechanical bed shaper.

Bitter Gourd Farming Basic Steps

1. Sowing of Seeds

Generally, the ideal number of plants per hectare varies depending on the variety and is usually between 6,500 to 11,000. For extremely managed plantings, 50x50cm spacing can be used to achieve 40,000 plants per hectare.

To sow two or three seeds at a depth of 2 cm apart from each other in raised beds, space the holes 40-60cm apart in rows spread 1.2mm-1.5m apart. This type of spacing yields 13,600 to 17,300 plants per hectare. When planted in warm soil conditions, seedlings will sprout in about a week or more quicker.

2. Irrigation

The bitter gourd is not tolerant of drought conditions. Ensure that the top 50 cm of soil, where most roots are situated, has adequate moisture. Give the basins a good soak before planting the seeds and after that, give them water weekly.

During the rainy season, drainage is required to maintain plant health and expansion. In areas with limited water access, trickle or drip irrigation can be efficiently used to provide water and nutrients to bitter gourd plantations.

3. Manuring

To cultivate bitter gourd, a balanced supply of nutrients from both organic and chemical fertilizers is necessary. The amounts of fertilizer applied to vary based on the type of soil, fertility level, and soil organic content.

Add 10 kg of FYM for each pit (20 t/ha), 100 g of NPK 6:12:12/pit as the base layer, and 10g N/pit 30 days after planting. Also incorporate Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria at 2 kg/ha, Pseudomonas at 2.5 kg/ha, FYM at 50 kg, and neem cake at 100 kg prior to the final plowing.

4. Pollination

Bitter gourd flowers usually bloom 45-55 days after planting and last for a period of 6 months. Bees are the main pollinators, though they may not be active during times with overcast weather or longer rainy periods.

5. Weed Control

Mulching is commonly practiced for bitter-gourd crops grown on raised beds. You can use either organic mulch like straw and grass or plastic mulch if available; typically, organic mulch is more economical and easily accessible.

Plant Protection System For Bitter Gourd Cultivation

Bitter gourd can contract a number of the same illnesses that affect other cucurbits. It is a bearer of watermelon mosaic potyvirus and can be afflicted with downy mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, bacterial wilt, fusarium wilt, and root-knot nematode.

Fungal sicknesses often come about due to lengthy wet periods. Under such circumstances, fungicide spray may be administered to inhibit illness. Making use of tolerant varieties is the most beneficial defense against most of these diseases.

The fruit fly is the main pest to be wary of when it comes to bitter gourd; beetles, thrips, cutworms, bollworms, aphids, and mites are among other pests that can also cause damage.

Harvesting & Storage For Bitter Gourd Farming

Harvesting of the fruit needs to be done carefully on alternating days whilst still young and delicate. The fruits mature quickly and need to be collected regularly so that they are not overgrown or too sour.

It is usually 15-20 days after pollination or 90 days after planting for the fruits to become ready for sale, although bitter gourd can be harvested earlier as per its intended purpose. As you pick, ensure that there is no injury to the vine itself.

Bitter gourd fruits have a short shelf life, so they should be sold off in the market at once. Get rid of broken and misshapen fruits. Place the proper ones in bamboo baskets or cardboard boxes, then store them somewhere cool at 1-3°C and with 85-90% humidity. Keeping them this way can help extend their lifespan for up to two to three weeks.

Things To Consider In Bitter Gourd Cultivation

It is essential to pick the right type. High-yield varieties are always a good choice.
Set up a quality irrigation system, with drip irrigation being the best option.
Soil preparation and fertilizing are essential
Controlling pests and diseases is crucial when it comes to cultivating bitter gourd.
Start off with a small plot of land and then, when you’ve gained sufficient knowledge and experience, move on to a bigger one.
Set up the right marketing channels for perishable items like bitter gourd.
Any farming business requires financial planning, effective cost calculation, and the ability to measure ROI.

Domestic & Export Market

Dry split or sliced fruits with a refreshing exterior have great exporting prospects. Value can be added to bitter gourd by dehydration, through either a minor scale for household use or superior driers for better quality products.

Additionally, pieces of this fruit can be maintained in a brine solution. Big farms and even minor farm holders could gain remarkable revenue from cultivating bitter gourd.

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