Bitter Gourd Farming
Bitter gourd farming profit per acre offers strong returns, with an average yield of 8,000 kg and a market price of NRs. 15 per kg, resulting in a net profit of NRs. 79,000. The return on investment (ROI) is an impressive 192.7%, meaning farmers can nearly double their investment. Major costs include land preparation, fertilizers, trellising, and irrigation. Profitability can improve further through better yields, higher market prices, or cost-saving measures, making bitter gourd a profitable crop option for farmers.
Land Preparation
The process of land preparation begins with deep plowing (20–25 cm) using a moldboard plow or tractor 3–4 weeks before planting to bury weeds, expose soil pests, and enhance aeration. After plowing, the soil is left exposed to sunlight for 1–2 weeks (sun-baking) to reduce soil-borne pathogens and weed seeds. This is followed by 2–3 rounds of harrowing and leveling with harrows or rotavators to break down clods and achieve a fine tilth.
Depending on soil type and rainfall conditions, raised beds (15–20 cm high, 60–120 cm wide) are formed for better drainage, especially in heavy soils, while ridges and furrows are used for trailing systems. Finally, 15–20 tons per acre of well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost is thoroughly mixed into the soil during the last harrowing.
Soil Type
The crop grows best in well-drained sandy loam to loamy soils rich in organic matter with a pH of 6.0–7.0. It can tolerate pH 5.5–7.5, but yields are highest within the ideal range. Heavy clay, overly sandy, and saline or alkaline soils should be avoided due to poor drainage, low nutrient retention, and reduced growth.
Climatic Requirements
| Climatic Factor | Details |
| Temperature | Warm-season crop that thrives in hot, humid climates. |
| Optimal Growth | 24°C – 30°C (75°F – 86°F) |
| Germination | Requires warm soil (minimum 18°C – 20°C / 65°F – 68°F); poor germination below this range. |
| Frost Sensitivity | Highly sensitive; growth stops below 15°C (59°F). |
| Heat Tolerance | Can tolerate 35–40°C with adequate soil moisture; more tolerant than many cucurbits. |
| Sunlight | Needs full sun (6–8 hours/day) for healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting. |
| Rainfall | Performs well in areas with 1000–1500 mm annual rainfall; requires good drainage and irrigation during dry spells. |
| Humidity | Adapts to moderate to high humidity; excessive humidity with poor airflow increases risk of fungal diseases. |
Major Cultivars
Major cultivars are selected based on factors such as local climate, market preferences for fruit size, shape, color, and bitterness level, as well as their disease resistance and yield potential.
| Type | Examples | |
| Long, Slender, Green | Pusa Hybrid 1, Pusa Hybrid 2, Pusa Vishesh, Arka Harit, CO 1, Priya (MDU 1), Konkan Tara, Preethi (IIHR 48-1) | |
| Medium-Long, Green | Pusa Do Mausami, VK 1 (Priya) | |
| Short, Dark Green, Warty | Priyanka (Punjab-14), Punjab Kareli 1 | |
| White Varieties | White Pearl (less common, known for slightly milder bitterness) | |
| High-Yielding Hybrids | Numerous F1 hybrids such as Nun 3014, Nun 3139, Seminis Hybrids (e.g., Galaxy), Indam Hybrids, Syngenta Hybrids; offer vigor, uniformity, disease resistance, and high yield | |
Seed Rate per Acre
Apply 1.5 kg/acre of seeds (assuming 70–80% germination) for direct seeding of bitter gourds (2–3 seeds per pit). To improve germination and early seedling vigor, soak seeds for 24 hours in a solution of 25–50 ppm gibberellic acid + 25 ppm boron.
Planting
a) Planting Season
Bitter gourd is primarily cultivated in warm seasons, with plains regions favoring February–March (summer) and June–July (Kharif/rainy season) plantings, while hilly areas typically sow in April–May. Bitter gourd is primarily cultivated in warm seasons, with plains regions favoring February–March (summer) and June–July (Kharif/rainy season) plantings, while hilly areas typically sow in April–May.
b) Spacing
It is advised to leave a distance of 45 cm between plants within a row and 1.5 meters between rows. For vines to grow healthily, receive enough light, and effectively combat disease, proper spacing is necessary.
c) Planting Method
| Planting Method | Details |
| Direct Seeding | Sow 2–3 treated seeds per pit at a depth of 2–3 cm. After 10–15 days, thin to the strongest 1 or 2 seedlings per pit once true leaves appear. |
| Transplanting | Ideal for early crops and better land use. Sow seeds in nursery beds or pro-trays 3–4 weeks before transplanting. Use healthy seedlings with 3–4 true leaves and transplant carefully to avoid root damage. Water immediately after planting. |
d) Number of Plants per Acre
Based on the above spacing, approximately 5,995 plants can be accommodated per acre.
Intercropping
Bitter gourd can be successfully intercropped with short-duration crops during the first 4–6 weeks before its vines spread. Common intercrops include radish, spinach, coriander, lettuce, green onion, bush beans, and marigold, which also acts as a pest-repellent trap crop. Intercropping helps maximize land use, generates early income, and suppresses initial weed growth. However, it’s important to avoid tall or heavy-feeding crops, ensure intercrops are harvested before the vines spread, and maintain proper spacing and nutrient availability for the main crop.
Irrigation
| Irrigation Aspect | Details |
| Critical Stages | ü Germination/seedling establishment, flowering, fruit setting, and fruit development. |
| Frequency | ü Germination/Seedling Stage: Light, frequent irrigation every 2–3 days in summer to keep soil moist. ü Vegetative Stage: Irrigate every 5–7 days based on soil and weather conditions. ü Flowering & Fruiting Stage: Maintain consistent moisture; irrigate every 3–4 days in hot, dry weather to prevent flower/fruit drop and bitterness. |
| Method | v Furrow irrigation is commonly used. v For effective water utilization, targeted fertigation, and fewer foliar diseases, drip irrigation is strongly advised. v Avoid overhead sprinklers. |
Fertilizer and Manure
| Application Stage | Materials | Quantity per Acre | Key Notes |
| Basal Dose (at planting) | FYM/Compost | 10-15 tons | Incorporated into pits |
| Neem Cake | 250-300 kg | ||
| SSP (Single Super Phosphate) | 50-60 kg | ||
| MOP (Muriate of Potash) | 25-30 kg | ||
| Top Dressing | |||
| ü 1st Dose (3-4 weeks after planting) | Urea | 35-40 kg | Applied at vine spread stage |
| ü 2nd Dose (6-7 weeks: Flowering) | Urea + MOP | 35-40 kg + 25-30 kg | Critical for flower initiation |
| ü 3rd Dose (10-12 weeks: Peak Fruit) | Urea + MOP | 25-30 kg + 25-30 kg | Supports fruit development |
| Foliar Spray | |||
| ü Flowering Stage | Phosphorus (P) | NPK (0:52:34) | Promotes flower formation |
| Boron | 0.25-0.5% solution | ||
| ü Fruiting Stage | Potassium (K) | NPK (00:00:50) | Enhances fruit quality |
| Zinc (ZnSO₄) | 0.5% solution | Prevents micronutrient deficiency |
Weed Control
Weed control is most critical during the first 30–45 days after planting. Chemical methods include the careful use of pre-emergence herbicides like Pendimethalin at 500g a.i. per acre, applied immediately after sowing or before transplanting and followed by light irrigation, always adhering to label instructions and safety guidelines, as post-emergence options are limited for cucurbits.
Mechanical control involves 2–3 shallow hoeings or hand weedings, avoiding deep hoeing near the roots. Mulching is highly effective; applying organic mulch such as paddy straw or dried leaves, or black plastic mulch after the first weeding helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Flowering and Fruit Management
| Aspect | Details | ||
| Flowering | The bitter gourd produces distinct male and female flowers, making it monoecious. Whereas female flowers have a little ovary at the base, male blooms are more numerous and appear early. | ||
| Pollination | Mainly carried out by bees and other insects. Poor pollination often leads to misshapen fruits and reduced yield. | ||
| Pollination Interventions | Hand Pollination: Especially useful in early/late seasons or protected cultivation. Collect male flowers (6–10 AM), remove petals, and rub pollen onto open female flowers. Beehives: Installing beehives near fields enhances natural pollination and improves fruit set. | ||
| Fruit Setting & Development | Maintain consistent soil moisture and adequate potassium supply to support fruit development and reduce bitterness. | ||
Pest and Disease Management
Common Pests
a). Fruit Fly (Bactrocera spp.)
The fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.) is bitter gourd’s most destructive pest, with larvae tunneling into and ruining fruits. Effective control requires an integrated approach: implement bait sprays (Malathion + protein hydrolysate), deploy pheromone traps (Cuelure), practice strict field sanitation by burying infested fruits, harvest promptly at maturity, apply neem oil sprays as a deterrent, and – most critically – bag developing fruits with non-woven fabric or net bags to prevent egg-laying physically.
b) Red Pumpkin Beetle
The Red Pumpkin Beetle attacks bitter gourds through both life stages: adults devour cotyledons and young leaves, while larvae (grubs) feed on roots. Effective control combines preventive and active measures – treat seeds with Imidacloprid before sowing, drench nursery beds with insecticide solution, apply foliar sprays (Malathion 0.1% or Carbaryl 0.2%) to target adults, and incorporate neem cake (250 kg/acre) into soil to disrupt grub development.
c) Aphids & Whiteflies
Aphids and whiteflies are sap-sucking pests that weaken plants and transmit viral diseases like MYMV. They can be managed using yellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap, or systemic insecticides such as Acetamiprid, Imidacloprid, and Thiomethoxam.
d) Leaf Miner
Leaf miner larvae tunnel inside bitter gourd leaves, creating visible serpentine trails that reduce photosynthetic capacity. Effective control requires immediate removal and destruction of infested leaves upon detection, followed by targeted spraying of Spinosad (0.5 ml/liter) or Abamectin (0.5 ml/liter) – focusing on the undersides of leaves where young larvae feed – with applications repeated at 7–10-day intervals during active infestations.
e) Mites
Mites cause stippling and bronzing on leaves, leading to reduced photosynthesis and plant vigor. They can be effectively controlled using wettable sulfur, Dicofol, Abamectin, or Propargite.
Common Diseases
a). Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew manifests as white, powdery fungal growth on leaves and stems, reducing photosynthesis and causing premature leaf drop. Control requires resistant varieties (e.g., Pusa Hybrids), improving air circulation via trellising, and timely sprays: sulfur (dust or 0.2% wettable solution), dinocap (0.1%), hexaconazole (0.05%), myclobutanil (0.1%), or trifloxystrobin (0.05%) applied at 10–15-day intervals, starting at initial symptoms.
b) Downy Mildew
Downy mildew appears as angular yellow spots on leaf tops and purplish fungal growth underneath, thriving in cool, humid conditions. Manage by avoiding overhead irrigation, ensuring good drainage, and spraying mancozeb (0.25%), metalaxyl-M + mancozeb (0.2%), fosetyl-Al (0.2%), or cymoxanil + mancozeb (0.3%) weekly during high humidity. Remove severely infected leaves to curb the spread.
c) Mosaic Viruses (MYMV, CMV)
Mosaic viruses cause yellow mottling, stunted growth, and distorted leaves, transmitted by aphids/whiteflies. Prevention is critical: control vectors using imidacloprid (soil drench) or acetamiprid (spray), rogue and burn infected plants immediately, and plant resistant varieties (e.g., Pusa Hybrid 1, 2). Weed management reduces alternate virus hosts.
Harvesting
| Aspect | Details |
| Harvesting Stage | Harvest when fruits are tender, immature, and have reached marketable size based on cultivar. Skin should be bright green (or white for white types), with a smooth or warty texture depending on variety. Avoid harvesting over-mature fruits as they turn yellow/orange, become bitter, fibrous, and may split open. |
| Harvest Timing | Begins 55–70 days after planting for most varieties. Harvesting continues for 8–12 weeks with pickings every 2–3 days during peak production. |
| Maturity Indicators | Typical size and shape for the variety, firm texture, bright color (green/white), prominent but tender warts (if any), and immature, soft white seeds. |
| Harvesting Method | Use a sharp knife or secateurs to cut the fruit, leaving 1–2 cm of stalk. Harvest in the early morning to improve shelf life and handle fruits carefully to prevent bruising. Trellised plants are easier and cleaner to harvest. |
Yield
Typical bitter gourd yields range from 8,000 to 12,000 kg per acre (8–12 metric tons), depending on various factors such as timely planting, proper spacing, use of trellising, effective pollination, balanced nutrient management, consistent irrigation without stress, strong pest and disease control, and regular harvesting.
Cost of Investment Per Acre for Bitter Gourd Farming
| S.N. | Categories | Cost (NRs.) |
| 1 | Land Preparation (plowing) | 10,000 |
| 2 | Seed | 2,000 |
| 3 | Seed Planting | 2,000 |
| 4 | Trellis | 4,000 |
| 5 | Fertilizers and Manure | 6,000 |
| 6 | Irrigation | 5,000 |
| 7 | Weed Control (pre & post-emergence) | 1,000 |
| 8 | Pest & Disease Control | 3,000 |
| 9 | Harvesting | 5,000 |
| 10 | Miscellaneous Costs | 3,000 |
| Total Cost | 41,000 |
Income from Per Acre Bitter Gourd Farming
| Particulars | Estimated Yield (kg/acre) | Market Price (NRs. /kg) | Total Income (NRs.) |
| Bitter Gourd Yield | 8,000 | 15 | 120,000 |
Analysis of Bitter Gourd Farming Profit Per Acre
| Metric | Amount (NRs.) |
| Total Income | 120,000 |
| Total Investment (Cost) | 41,000 |
| Net Profit | 79,000 |
| Profit per kg | 9.88 |
| Return on Investment (ROI) | 192.7% |
Bitter gourd farming demonstrates strong profitability with a net profit of NRs. 79,000 per acre, based on an average yield of 8,000 kg and a market price of NRs. 15 per kg. The return on investment (ROI) stands at an impressive 192.7%, meaning farmers can nearly double their investment. Key cost drivers include land preparation, fertilizers, trellising, and irrigation. Profitability can further improve with better yields, higher market prices, or cost optimization in input use.
Crop Calendar of Bitter Gourd
(Adapted for Plains & Hills; Key: WAP = Weeks After Planting)
PRE-PLANTING PHASE
| Timeline | Activity | Details |
| 3–4 weeks before planting | Land Preparation | Deep plow (20–25 cm), sun-bake soil 1–2 weeks. 2–3 harrowings. Mix 15–20 tons/acre FYM/compost. Form raised beds (15–20 cm high) or ridges. |
| 1 week before planting | Pre-Emergence Weed Control | Apply Pendimethalin (500g a.i./acre) + light irrigation. |
| Nursery Sowing (Transplanting only) | Seedling Preparation | Sow seeds in pro-trays. Soak seeds in 25–50 ppm Gibberellic acid + 25 ppm boron. Transplant at 3–4 true leaves. |
PLANTING PHASE
| Season | Planting Time | Spacing | Method |
| Plains (Summer) | Feb–Mar | 1.5 m × 0.45 m | Direct seeding (2–3 seeds/pit) or transplanting. Thin to 1–2 plants/pit. |
| Plains (Kharif) | Jun–Jul | 1.5 m × 0.45 m | Direct seeding preferred. Ensure drainage in heavy rains. |
| Hills | Apr–May | 1.5 m × 0.45 m | Transplanting recommended for early vigor. |
| Density | ~6,000 plants/acre |
CROP MANAGEMENT PHASE
| Stage | Timeline | Key Activities |
| Vegetative Growth | 0–4 WAP | – Irrigation: Light & frequent (every 2–3 days). Drip irrigation recommended. – Weed Control: 2–3 hand weedings. Apply organic mulch after first weeding. – Fertilizer: Basal dose (FYM 10–15 tons, SSP 50–60 kg, MOP 25–30 kg). 1st top dressing (Urea 35–40 kg) at 3–4 WAP. – Pests: Monitor for red pumpkin beetle/aphids. Spray neem oil or Imidacloprid if needed. |
| Flowering | 5–7 WAP | – Irrigation: Every 5–7 days. Avoid water stress. – Fertilizer: 2nd top dressing (Urea 35–40 kg + MOP 25–30 kg). Foliar spray with Phosphorus (NPK 0:52:34) + Boron (0.25–0.5%). – Pollination: Introduce beehives or hand-pollinate (6–10 AM). – Diseases: Spray Mancozeb (0.25%) for downy mildew prevention. |
| Fruiting | 8–12 WAP | – Irrigation: Every 3–4 days (critical for fruit quality). – Fertilizer: 3rd top dressing (Urea 25–30 kg + MOP 25–30 kg). Foliar spray Potassium (NPK 00:00:50) + Zinc (0.5% ZnSO₄). – Pests: Bag fruits with non-woven fabric to prevent fruit fly. Use pheromone traps. Spray Spinosad for leaf miners. – Diseases: Apply Hexaconazole (0.05%) for powdery mildew. Remove virus-infected plants. |
| Peak Harvest | 10–20 WAP | – Harvest: Pick fruits every 2–3 days at tender stage (bright green, firm). Use secateurs to cut fruit with 1–2 cm stalk. – Post-Harvest: Morning harvest → shade → pack. |
INTERCROPPING & SPECIAL PRACTICES
| Practice | Recommendation |
| Intercropping | Radish/spinach/coriander in first 4–6 weeks. Marigold as trap crop for pests. |
| Trellising | Mandatory for higher yields. Install at 3–4 WAP. |
| Water Management | Drip irrigation + plastic mulch conserves water and reduces diseases. |
| Critical Notes | – Avoid waterlogging, overhead irrigation, and saline soils. – Monitor soil pH (6.0–7.0). – Rogue virus-infected plants immediately. |
HARVESTING & POST-HARVEST
| Aspect | Details |
| First Harvest | 55–70 days after planting. |
| Frequency | Every 2–3 days during peak season (8–12 weeks). |
| Yield | 8,000–12,000 kg/acre. Depends on cultivar (hybrids yield higher). |
| Profitability | Avg. profit: NRs. 79,000/acre (ROI 192.7%). Optimize via drip irrigation, trellising, and timely pest control. |
Sources
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
