Bottle Gourd Farming in India
Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Farming – Complete Guide for Farmers
In India, bottle gourd (Lauki) is considered one of the major vegetable crops. This nutritious vegetable gives farmers good yields in summer and rainy seasons. By cultivating hybrid bottle gourd at the right time, farmers can produce 40 to 100 quintals per acre. In this article, we will provide complete information about bottle gourd cultivation – from field preparation, sowing, fertilizers, irrigation, pest management, cost, and profit.
1. Field Preparation (What kind of soil is required?)
Field preparation is the first and most important step in bottle gourd farming. If the soil is not suitable, even good-quality seeds and proper care will not give high yields. Therefore, proper preparation of soil and field before farming is necessary.
1.1 Selection of Soil
- Loamy soil is most suitable for bottle gourd cultivation.
- The soil should have good water-holding capacity and proper drainage.
- Heavy clay soil may cause waterlogging, which leads to root rot.
- Sandy soil can also be used, but sufficient organic manure must be added.
1.2 Soil Testing
- The pH of soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5.
- Soil testing must be done before starting cultivation.
- Testing identifies deficiencies of nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash, Zinc, Boron, etc.
- Fertilizer and organic manure quantity should be decided based on the report.
1.3 Deep Ploughing
- In summer, the field should be ploughed deeply 2–3 times.
- It destroys old pests, pathogens, and weeds.
- Exposure to sun and air improves soil health and retains moisture longer.
- Well-decomposed cow dung manure can be mixed during ploughing.
1.4 Leveling
- After ploughing, the field must be leveled.
- Uneven land causes waterlogging in some places and dryness in others.
- Leveling ensures uniform irrigation and uniform crop growth.
1.5 Use of Organic Manure
- Using organic manure is highly beneficial.
- 8–10 tons of decomposed cow dung per acre should be added.
- Farmers can also use vermicompost.
- Organic manure increases fertility, improves water-holding capacity, and provides slow-release nutrition.
1.6 Moisture Management
- Soil moisture must remain balanced.
- Excess moisture causes root rot and fungal diseases.
- Less moisture dries roots and reduces fruit size.
- Proper drains and ridges should be made to retain or remove water as needed.
1.7 Bed Formation
- Prepare beds 2–3 meters wide.
- Keep drains of 30–40 cm between beds for irrigation and drainage.
- Planting on beds improves root development and fruit quality.
- Easy water movement prevents crop damage from excess or shortage.
👉 With proper field preparation, hybrid bottle gourd farming gives higher yield with lower costs.
2. Seed Treatment and Selection
Choosing the right variety and treating seeds properly is essential for good yield. Seed quality directly affects yield, disease resistance, and fruit quality.
2.1 Selection of Improved Varieties
- Always choose improved and high-yielding varieties.
- Hybrids give higher production and attractive fruit size.
- Popular varieties: Pusa Sangram, Pusa Hybrid, Arka Bahar, Narendra Lauki, Pusa Naveen.
- Selection should be based on local climate and soil.
2.2 Selection of Disease-Free Seeds
- Always use healthy, disease-free seeds.
- Seeds should be free from fungus, spots, or insect damage.
- Buy seeds only from government or certified sources.
2.3 Seed Treatment (Chemical)
- Treat seeds with Thiram (2–3 g/kg seed) or Carbendazim (2 g/kg seed).
- This protects seeds from fungus and other diseases.
- Improves germination rate.
2.4 Organic Treatment
- Instead of chemicals, farmers can use Trichoderma (4–5 g/kg seed) or bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB).
- Neem cake solution can also be used.
- Organic treatment protects seeds without harming soil fertility.
2.5 Storage Before Sowing
- Keep seeds in cool, dry place.
- Dry seeds in sunlight before storing (moisture below 8–10%).
- Store in cloth/jute bags, not plastic (prevents fungus).
- Mix neem leaves or ash to prevent insect damage.
👉 Proper seed selection and treatment ensure higher yield, healthy plants, and better-quality bottle gourd.
3. Planting: Right Time and Method
3.1 Best Sowing Season
- Can be sown three times a year:
- Summer crop: February–March
- Rainy crop: June–July
- Winter crop: October (not successful in very cold areas)
3.2 Seed Quantity
- About 1.5–2 kg seed per acre is sufficient.
- Less seed needed for hybrids due to high germination.
3.3 Depth of Sowing
- Ideal depth: 2–3 cm.
- Too deep → seeds may rot.
- Too shallow → birds/insects may destroy them.
3.4 Spacing
- Row to row: 2.0–2.5 m
- Plant to plant: 1.5–2.0 m
- Ensures proper sunlight, air, and nutrition.
3.5 Ridge-Furrow or Bed Method
- Ridge-furrow: long furrows made, seeds sown on ridges.
- Bed method: 2–3 m wide beds, plants sown on sides.
- Both methods strengthen roots and make irrigation easier.
👉 Right time, right quantity, and right method = healthy plants + high production.
4. Irrigation Management
4.1 Initial Irrigation
- Light irrigation after sowing.
- Soil must remain moist but not waterlogged during germination.
4.2 Irrigation Interval
- Summer: every 7–10 days
- Winter: every 12–15 days
- Rainy season: depend on rainfall, remove excess water.
4.3 Weather Adjustment
- Hot season → more frequent irrigation
- Cold season → less water needed
- Rainy → proper drainage system required
4.4 Drip & Sprinkler Method
- Drip irrigation is most effective – saves water, gives nutrients directly.
- Sprinkler keeps field uniformly moist.
4.5 Effects of Over/Under Irrigation
- Over irrigation → root rot, fungal disease, poor growth.
- Less irrigation → weak plants, small/low-quality fruits.
👉 Balanced irrigation ensures high yield and good quality.
5. Fertilizer Management
Proper fertilizer management is very important in bottle gourd farming. Applying fertilizers in the right amount and at the right time ensures good plant growth, higher yields, and better-quality fruits. If fertilizers are not applied in a balanced way, production may decrease, and the chances of disease in plants may increase.
5.1 Basal Dose
During field preparation, about 20–25 tons of well-decomposed cow dung manure or compost per hectare should be thoroughly mixed into the soil.
Along with this, the full dose of phosphorus and potash, and half the dose of nitrogen should be applied as a basal dose.
This helps in strengthening the roots of the plants and supports better early growth.
5.2 Ratio of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potash
For bottle gourd farming, generally, 80–100 kg nitrogen, 40–50 kg phosphorus, and 60–70 kg potash per hectare are considered sufficient.
Half of the nitrogen dose should be given as a basal dose, and the remaining half should be applied in two split doses as top dressing.
The full quantity of phosphorus and potash should be applied at the initial stage, as these nutrients help in root development and fruiting.
5.3 Use of Organic Manure
Organic manures such as vermicompost, green manure, and cow dung manure are highly beneficial for maintaining soil fertility.
They improve soil water-holding capacity and enhance microbial activity.
Using organic manure along with chemical fertilizers provides balanced nutrition to plants and results in better yields.
5.4 Nutrition as per Crop Stage
During germination and the early growth stage, plants need more nitrogen and phosphorus.
At the flowering and fruit-setting stage, nitrogen supply should be gradually increased.
During fruit development, providing sufficient potash ensures larger, shiny, and longer-lasting fruits.
If needed, foliar sprays (spraying nutrients on leaves) can also be applied to meet the crop’s requirements.
5.5 Supply of Micronutrients
For good yield in bottle gourd, not only major nutrients but also micronutrients such as zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and boron are essential.
Deficiency of these elements may lead to problems like yellowing of leaves, flower dropping, and poor fruiting.
To prevent this, foliar sprays of micronutrients should be applied from time to time.
👉 By adopting balanced fertilizer management, farmers can achieve not only higher yields but also better-quality fruits.
6. Pest and Disease Management
6.1 Common Pest Identification
In bottle gourd cultivation, fruit flies, stem borers, leaf-eating insects, and red spider mites are commonly found. Identifying them on time is very important. Fruit flies lay eggs inside the fruit by making small holes, which causes the fruit to rot. Stem borers stop the growth of plants. Small holes in the leaves or yellowing indicate the presence of pests. Regular inspection of plants makes timely control possible.
6.2 Use of Organic Pesticides
For pest control, spraying neem-based solutions (neem oil or neem cake) is considered effective. Spraying garlic–green chili extract or cow urine-based organic pesticides on leaves also helps control pests. Such organic methods do not harm plants and also maintain soil fertility.
6.3 Chemical Control
When pest infestation becomes severe, chemical pesticides have to be used. For controlling fruit flies, attractive baits can be applied. To control stem borers, recommended pesticides should be sprayed in the right quantity. It is important to ensure that chemicals are used in balanced amounts and only under expert guidance so that both the environment and the crop remain safe.
6.4 Disease Prevention Measures
Bottle gourd is commonly affected by fungal diseases like powdery mildew and downy mildew. To prevent these, disease-free seeds should be used. Proper air circulation and drainage arrangements in the field are also necessary. In case of infection, spraying biological or chemical fungicides can help.
6.5 Crop Monitoring
Regular monitoring of the crop is the simplest and most effective way of controlling pests and diseases. Every 7–10 days, the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants should be checked. Detecting problems at an early stage allows for low-cost solutions. Additionally, maintaining field hygiene and removing infected plants in time also prevents the spread of pests and diseases.
7. Weed Control
7.1 Initial Control
In bottle gourd cultivation, it is very important to control weeds right from the beginning because they take away nutrients, water, and sunlight from the plants. Before sowing, plowing the field and leveling it helps in reducing the early growth of weeds. If possible, give a light irrigation before sowing to allow the weeds to germinate, and then plow the field again to destroy them.
7.2 Hand Weeding
The simplest and most traditional method of weed control is hand weeding. When the plants are small, the weeds that grow between the rows and around the plants should be removed by hand. This also loosens the soil, allowing air and water to reach the roots more easily. Although hand weeding is slightly more costly, it is safe for both the environment and the crop.
7.3 Hoeing
Weeding with a hoe or small hand tool is also an effective method. It loosens the soil around the roots and encourages faster plant growth. Hoeing can be done easily between the rows and around the plants. This method is especially useful when weeds are dense and difficult to remove by hand.
7.4 Use of Herbicides
In case of labor shortage or in large fields, herbicides can be used for weed control. Spraying selective herbicides before sowing or when the plants are still small helps to stop the growth of weeds. The choice of herbicide should depend on the crop and the type of weeds present. It is important to use herbicides only in the recommended quantity and under expert advice to avoid crop damage.
7.5 Timely Control
The most important aspect of weed control is timely action. The first weeding should be done 20–25 days after sowing, and then at intervals of 15–20 days. The first 40–50 days of the crop are considered the most sensitive to weed competition. If weeds are controlled during this period, the crop remains healthy and gives a good yield.
8. Harvesting and Storage
8.1 Right Time for Harvesting
The right time of harvesting is very important to get good quality and higher yield of bottle gourd. Harvesting should be done when the fruits are tender, shiny, and green. If the fruit stays on the plant for too long, it becomes hard and unfit for consumption. Generally, fruits are ready for picking 60–70 days after sowing.
8.2 Method of Harvesting
A sharp knife or scissors should be used for harvesting. It is better to cut the fruit along with a small portion of the stalk so that it does not spoil quickly. While harvesting, care should be taken not to damage the vine or other fruits. Harvesting in the morning or evening is considered best, as the temperature is low and fruits stay fresh for a longer time.
8.3 Washing and Cleaning
After harvesting, bottle gourds should be washed with clean water to remove soil, dust, and germs. After washing, the fruits must be dried in shade so that no moisture remains. Proper cleaning reduces the chances of rotting and infection during storage.
8.4 Drying Process
After washing, drying the fruits in natural air under shade is the most suitable method. Drying in direct sunlight makes the surface of the fruit shrivel and reduces its shine. During drying, fruits should be spread in a single layer so that air reaches from all sides.
8.5 Method of Storage
For storage, fruits should be kept in a cool and well-ventilated place. Keeping them in wooden or plastic crates lined with straw or newspaper helps retain freshness for a longer time. For large-scale storage, cold storage can be used where the crop remains safe for 10–12 days. During storage, damaged or rotten fruits should be separated so that they do not affect the rest.
9. Profit and Cost in Bottle Gourd Farming
9.1 Cost per Acre
| Type of Expense | Estimated Cost (₹) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | 2,000 – 3,000 | Purchase of improved variety seeds |
| Land Preparation | 4,000 – 5,000 | Ploughing, leveling, bunds, and drainage |
| Manure & Fertilizers | 6,000 – 8,000 | FYM, DAP, Urea, Potash, etc. |
| Irrigation | 3,000 – 4,000 | Diesel/electricity and labor |
| Labor Cost | 8,000 – 10,000 | Sowing, weeding, harvesting & transport |
| Other Expenses | 2,000 – 3,000 | Medicines, tools, and maintenance |
| Total Cost | 25,000 – 33,000 | Per acre total cost |
9.2 Production per Acre
| Production Capacity | Estimated Quantity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Average Yield | 80 – 100 quintals | Based on good care and improved variety |
| Maximum Yield | Up to 120 quintals | Depends on irrigation, manure, and management |
9.3 Market Price
| Market Condition | Average Price (₹ per quintal) | Special Information |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 1,200 – 1,500 | Normal rate in local market |
| Average | 1,800 – 2,000 | Stable price during season |
| Maximum | 2,500 – 3,000 | During off-season or high demand |
9.4 Net Profit
| Details | Estimated Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Total Income (Average Production × Average Price) | 1,60,000 – 2,00,000 |
| Total Cost | 25,000 – 33,000 |
| Net Profit | 1,25,000 – 1,70,000 |
9.5 Ways to Increase Profit
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Use of improved seeds | Select varieties with high yield potential |
| Organic manure and pesticides | Maintain soil fertility and reduce diseases |
| Timely irrigation and weeding | Improve crop health and yield |
| Market knowledge | Sell crop at the right time and right place |
| Intercropping | Grow other crops along with bottle gourd for extra profit |
10. Common Questions (FAQ) Related to Bottle Gourd Farming
10.1 What is the best season for bottle gourd farming?
Bottle gourd grows best in warm and humid climates. It can be cultivated in both Kharif and summer seasons. Sowing in February–March and June–July gives better yield.
10.2 What type of soil is suitable for bottle gourd farming?
Loamy and sandy loam soils are most suitable for bottle gourd cultivation. The soil pH should be 6.5 to 7.5, and the field must have a proper drainage system.
10.3 How much seed is required for sowing bottle gourd in one acre?
For one acre of land, around 2.5 to 3 kilograms of seeds are required. If the seeds are of high quality, the yield can be even higher.
10.4 How often should bottle gourd crops be irrigated?
The crop should be irrigated at intervals of 7 to 10 days. In summer, it requires more frequent irrigation, while during the rainy season, preventing waterlogging is more important.
10.5 What are the major pests and diseases in bottle gourd farming?
The major pests include fruit fly, fruit borer, and leaf roller. Common diseases are powdery mildew, downy mildew, and mosaic virus. Proper spraying of medicines and organic practices can help in prevention.
10.6 What is the average yield of bottle gourd per acre?
With good care and improved varieties, the average yield is 80 to 100 quintals per acre. In some regions, it can reach up to 120 quintals per acre.
10.7 What is the cost of bottle gourd farming per acre?
The total cost per acre ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹33,000, which includes seeds, fertilizers, labor, medicines, and irrigation.
10.8 What is the net profit from bottle gourd farming per acre?
If the average yield is 90 quintals and the market rate is ₹1,800 per quintal, the total income is about ₹1.60 lakhs. After deducting expenses, the net profit ranges from ₹1.25 to ₹1.70 lakhs per acre.
10.9 When is the right time to harvest bottle gourd?
Harvesting should be done when the fruits are green, tender, and medium-sized. Overripe fruits lose taste and market value. On average, harvesting starts 55 to 65 days after sowing.
10.10 How is bottle gourd stored after harvesting?
After harvesting, bottle gourd should be washed and dried in shade. Then, they can be stored in bamboo or wooden baskets in a cool and ventilated place. With proper storage, they remain fresh for 8–10 days.