COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, VASO

ELP 8.7
Commercial Horticulture

Off Season Cultivation of

Cucurbitaceous Crops
I.e 1 )Cucumber: River Bed cultivation
2) Low Tunnel cultivation Of
Muskmelon and Watermelon
 SUBMITTED TO: -

Dr. B. A. Jethava

SUBMITTED BY :-

Navdeepkumar Ramanbhai Thakor

5010221008
8TH Semester
Batch – 2

Off season Cultivation of

Cucurbitaceous Crops

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Cucumber :
River Bed cultivation
Off-season cultivation of cucumbers using river bed cultivation techniques involves
leveraging the unique characteristics of riverbeds to grow cucumbers during times when
traditional farming methods might not be feasible due to weather conditions or other
factors. Here's a detailed report on the process:

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 1. Site Selection : Identify suitable riverbeds with the right soil composition, sunlight exposure,
and access to water sources. Riverbeds provide natural irrigation and nutrient-rich soil,
which can be advantageous for cucumber cultivation.

2. Soil Preparation : Assess the soil quality and make any necessary amendments to optimize
it for cucumber cultivation. Riverbed soils are often sandy or loamy, which can be well-
draining and conducive to root growth. However, organic matter may need to be added to
improve fertility.

3. Planting : Plant cucumber seeds or seedlings in raised beds or mounds to ensure proper
drainage and to protect them from potential flooding. Spacing between plants should be
adequate to allow for air circulation and prevent overcrowding.

4. Irrigation : Monitor water levels in the riverbed and supplement irrigation as needed to
maintain consistent moisture levels. Riverbed cultivation benefits from natural irrigation, but
additional watering may be required during dry periods.

5. Nutrient Management : Conduct soil tests regularly to assess nutrient levels and adjust
fertilization practices accordingly. Organic fertilizers or compost can be applied to replenish
nutrients and improve soil structure.

6. Pest and Disease Control : Implement integrated pest management practices to minimize
pest damage and disease outbreaks. Regular scouting and early intervention are key to
preventing problems before they escalate.

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 7. Support Structures : Install trellises or other support structures to train cucumber vines to
grow vertically, maximizing space utilization and airflow. This can help reduce disease
pressure and improve fruit quality.

8. Harvesting : Monitor cucumber plants for maturity and harvest fruits regularly to encourage
continuous production. Cucumbers should be harvested when they reach the desired size
and color, typically before they become overripe.

9. Post-Harvest Handling : Handle harvested cucumbers carefully to avoid bruising or damage.

Proper storage conditions, such as cool temperatures and high humidity, can help prolong
shelf life.

10. Evaluation and Adjustment : Continuously evaluate the success of the riverbed cultivation
method for cucumbers and make adjustments as needed based on observations and
feedback. Documenting successes and challenges can inform future growing seasons.

Riverbed cultivation of cucumbers offers an alternative approach to off-season farming, capitalizing

on natural resources and optimizing growing conditions to produce high-quality crops. However,
careful planning, management, and monitoring are essential to maximize yields and minimize risks
associated with this method.

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Prospects and challenges of river bed cultivation

Prospects Challenges

• High net return per unit area: Riverbed cultivation offers A high net return, making it economically
favorable for Farmers.

• Early and high yield: Riverbed crops often yield early, Providing farmers with a quicker and higher
return on their Investment.

• Ease in irrigation: Despite challenges, riverbeds generally Have a high-water table, easing the
process of irrigation for Cultivated crops.

• Low cost of cultivation: Riverbed cultivation is cost-effective, Requiring fewer resources and
inputs compared to other Forms of cultivation.

• Less mineral requirement due to high fertility: The naturally High fertility of riverbed soil reduces
the need for additional Mineral inputs, contributing to cost savings.

• Limited weed growth: Riverbeds tend to have limited weed Growth, reducing competition with
cultivated crops.

• Easy control of pest and disease by cultural means: Cultural Practices can effectively control
pests and diseases in Riverbed cultivation, minimizing the need for chemical Interventions.

• Low-cost labor facilities: The nature of riverbed cultivation Allows for the utilization of low-cost
labor, contributing to Overall cost-effectiveness.

• No land ownership required: Riverbed cultivation does not Demand land ownership, making it
accessible to those Without substantial property.

• High economic returns: Despite challenges, riverbed farming Can yield high economic returns,
contributing to the financial Well-being of farmers.

• Income and food security for landless and marginal farmers:

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Riverbed cultivation plays a crucial role in ensuring income And food security for landless and
marginal farmers who may Not have access to conventional agricultural resources.

• Local adaptation to climate change: The local adaptation of Riverbed cultivation practices helps
farmers cope with the Impacts of climate change, making it a resilient option.

• Utilization of underexploited resource: Riverbed farming Utilizes an underexploited resource and

enhances Smallholders’ skills on marginal soils. Riverbed farming Provides small farmers with
sustainable options for coping With environmental shocks like floods.

• Non-availability of quality seeds and land availability in diara land Are the major constraints. The
other constraints are;

• Seed source: River-bed cultivation of melons relies on farmers’ Native ingenuity, and they often
use seeds from fruits found Sweet in season.

• Cross-pollination Issues: Many of these fruits are produced Through cross-pollination, leading to
unreliable quality, Especially in sweetness and flesh color.

• Seed purity: Each farmer keeping their own seeds raises concerns

About the purity of cultivars, with no guarantee of maintaining Purity for more than one season.

• Uncertainty: River-beds may remain underwater for extended Periods, making land availability
uncertain.

• Ownership: Since vegetable growers do not own the land, Securing it for cultivation is
challenging.

• River course changes: Changes in the course of the river pose Problems, requiring growers to
cultivate new areas.

• Leaching issues: Heavy leaching of soils in riverbeds results in Low fertility, necessitating
additional efforts for manures and Fertilizers.

• Fertility status: Continuous leaching impacts the fertility status of The soil.

• Irrigation challenges: Diara lands are rainfed and assured Irrigation facility is not available.

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• High water table: Despite a high-water table, irrigation remains a Challenges.

• High net return per unit area:

• Early and high yield:

• Low cost of cultivation:

• Less mineral requirement due to high fertility:

• Limited weed growth:

• Low cost of cultivation:

• Less mineral requirement due to high fertility:

• Easy control of pest and disease by cultural means:

• Low-cost labor facilities:

• High economic returns:

• Income and food security for landless and marginal farmers
• Non-availability of quality seeds
• Cross-pollination Issues:
 Fertility status:
 Continuous leaching impacts
 High water table

CHALLENGES
• Water lifting:

• Crop rotation challenges,

• Profit distribution:

• Ecological constraints: During the monsoon season, June to September causing frequent floods.

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Low Tunnel cultivation Of Muskmelon and
Watermelon

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Low tunnel cultivation of muskmelons and watermelons involves creating a protective structure
over the plants to extend the growing season, protect them from adverse weather conditions, and
promote optimal growth. Here’s a detailed report on the process:

1. Site Selection

Choose a well-drained area with access to full sunlight for optimal growth of muskmelons and
watermelons. Avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging, as excess moisture can lead to
disease issues.

2. Preparation of Beds

Prepare raised beds or mounds for planting, ensuring good soil drainage and aeration.
Incorporate organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility and
structure.

3. Construction of Low Tunnels

Build low tunnels using materials such as PVC pipes or metal hoops arched over the
planting beds. Cover the hoops with greenhouse plastic or floating row cover material,
securing it firmly to the ground to create a sealed environment.

4. Planting:

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 Sow seeds or transplant seedlings into the prepared beds according to recommended
spacing guidelines. Planting should be done after the danger of frost has passed and soil
temperatures have warmed sufficiently for optimal germination and growth.

5. Irrigation:

Provide consistent moisture to the plants through drip irrigation or soaker hoses placed
beneath the plastic cover. Monitor soil moisture levels regularly and adjust watering
frequency as needed to prevent stress and promote healthy growth.

6. Temperature Management:

Low tunnels help to trap heat during cooler periods, creating a microclimate conducive to
plant growth. However, they can also raise temperatures too high during hot weather.
Ventilation openings can be incorporated into the tunnel ends or sides to regulate
temperatures and prevent heat buildup.

7. Fertilization:

Apply balanced fertilizer or organic amendments according to soil test recommendations

and crop nutrient requirements. Supplemental feeding may be necessary throughout the
growing season to support vigorous growth and fruit development.

8. Pest and Disease Management :

Monitor plants regularly for signs of pests and diseases, and take appropriate measures to
control them. Floating row covers can provide a physical barrier against insect pests, while
proper sanitation practices and crop rotation help to minimize disease pressure.

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 9. Training and Pruning :

Train vines to grow within the confines of the low tunnels, directing them along the ground
or supporting them with trellises or netting. Prune excess foliage and side shoots to improve
air circulation and light penetration, which reduces the risk of disease and promotes fruit
ripening.

10. Harvesting :

Monitor muskmelons and watermelons for maturity indicators such as fruit size, color, and
aroma. Harvest fruits carefully to avoid damage, using sharp pruners or a knife to cut the
stems close to the fruit. Store harvested fruits in a cool, dry place for optimal quality and
shelf life.

11. Post-Harvest Handling

Handle harvested muskmelons and watermelons with care to prevent bruising or

puncturing. Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption or storage to remove any dirt or
debris.

12. Evaluation and Adjustment

Keep detailed records of growing conditions, yields, and observations throughout the
growing season. Evaluate the success of the low tunnel cultivation method and make
adjustments as needed to improve future crop production.

Low tunnel cultivation offers several benefits for muskmelons and watermelons, including extended
growing seasons, protection from pests and adverse weather, and improved fruit quality. With
proper planning, management, and attention to detail, growers can achieve successful harvests of
these delicious and nutritious fruits.

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ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

1) Cucumbers

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2 ) Watermelon And muskmelon

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