Pumpkin Farming Profit Per Acre

Pumpkin Farming

Pumpkin (Cucurbita spp. – primarily moschata, pepo, and maxima) is a versatile warm-season annual vine crop cultivated for its fruits, seeds, and leaves. Pumpkin farming profit per acre can be highly rewarding when managed efficiently, as reflected in a detailed profit analysis showing a total income of NRs. 160,000 against an investment of NRs. 37,000, resulting in a net profit of NRs. 123,000.

This translates to a strong profit margin of approximately 76.88%, showcasing the economic viability of pumpkin cultivation. With the production cost of NRs. 4.625 per kg and a selling price of NRs. 20, the profit per kg stands at NRs. 15.375. Additionally, the return on investment (ROI) reaches an impressive 332.43%, highlighting pumpkin farming as a highly cost-effective and profitable venture on a per-acre basis.

Land Preparation

Land preparation for pumpkin involves 2–3 deep ploughings (30–40 cm) to loosen the soil, enhance root penetration, and improve aeration and drainage, followed by harrowing and leveling to ensure uniform irrigation. All weeds, stones, and crop residues should be removed, and 15–20 tonnes per acre of well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost should be incorporated during the final ploughing. In areas with heavy soils or waterlogging risk, raised beds (15–20 cm high, 60–90 cm wide) or planting pits may be prepared as needed.

Soil Type

The ideal soil type is well-drained sandy loam or loam rich in organic matter, benefiting from good water-holding capacity. While tolerant of a wide pH range, the optimal range is slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 – 7.0). Unsuitable soils include poorly drained heavy clay (which causes root rot), very sandy soils (which dry out quickly and suffer from nutrient leaching), and highly saline or alkaline soils.

Climatic Requirements

Major Cultivars

Selection of pumpkin variety depends on the intended purpose—such as for the fresh market, processing, or seed production—as well as factors like maturity duration, fruit size, color, shape, disease resistance, and suitability to the local growing region. Here is the list of pumpkin cultivars in the table below:

Seed Rate per Acre

The recommended seed rate is 1.0 kg per acre, with seeds treated using Benlate or Bavistin at 2.5 g per kg to protect against soil-borne diseases.

Planting

a) Planting Season

 b) Spacing

A spacing of 2.5 meters between rows and 1.0 meters between plants is recommended.

c) Planting Method

Pumpkin is primarily planted through direct seeding, where 2–3 seeds are sown per hole or pit at a depth of 2–3 cm. Alternatively, transplanting can be used by starting seeds in trays or pots 3–4 weeks before field planting and then carefully transplanting the seedlings at the 2–4 true leaf stage, ensuring minimal root disturbance and immediate watering after transplanting.

d) Number of Plants per Acre

Approximately 1,618 pumpkin plants are accommodated per acre.

Intercropping

Intercropping in pumpkin cultivation is feasible, particularly during the early stages before the vines spread and cover the ground. Suitable intercrops include short-duration, upright crops such as cowpea, radish, onion, and leafy greens, which do not compete heavily for space or nutrients. Tall, dense, or heavy-feeding crops should be avoided to prevent excessive competition. This practice helps maximize land use efficiency and offers additional income early in the season.

Irrigation

Fertilizer and Manure

Weed Control

In the first 6–8 weeks of pumpkin cultivation, when the vines expand and naturally suppress weeds, weed management is very important. Hand weeding around plants, being careful not to harm superficial roots, and shallow hoeing or cultivation between rows are effective techniques.

Mulching using plastic mulch or organic materials like straw or dried leaves helps control soil temperature, retain moisture, and inhibit weed growth. Because cucurbits are sensitive, chemical control may involve the use of pre-emergence herbicides like Pendimethalin or Fluchloralin, which are applied after sowing or before transplanting. Post-emergence options are limited and may involve spot spraying.

Flowering and Fruit Management

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

a) Pumpkin Fly

Pumpkin flies cause significant damage by creating sunken brown spots on the fruits, where white maggots eventually develop, leading to fruit decay and reduced market value. To manage this pest, foliar application of neem oil at a concentration of 3.0% is recommended, which helps deter adult flies and reduce maggot infestation, offering an eco-friendly and effective control measure.

b) Aphids/Whiteflies

Aphids and whiteflies are sap-sucking insects that weaken pumpkin plants and act as vectors for viral diseases, causing significant yield loss. Effective management includes spraying neem oil or soap solution as organic options or applying systemic insecticides like imidacloprid at the rate of 1 ml per liter of water to control their population and minimize virus transmission.

Common Diseases

a). Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew in pumpkin appears as a white, powdery fungal growth on the leaves, which can reduce photosynthesis and overall plant vigor. Management strategies include the use of sulfur or potassium bicarbonate sprays, and systemic fungicides such as Tebuconazole or Myclobutanil for effective control. Growing resistant varieties is also an important preventive measure to minimize disease incidence.

b) Downy Mildew

Downy mildew in pumpkin is characterized by yellow, angular spots on the upper leaf surface and a purplish mold on the underside, leading to leaf blight and reduced yield. Effective control involves spraying fungicides such as Mancozeb, Fosetyl-Al, or those based on Metalaxyl, which help suppress the disease and protect healthy foliage.

c) Anthracnose

Anthracnose in pumpkin causes a scorched appearance on the foliage, along with sunken, dark lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, which can severely impact plant health and yield. To prevent this disease, it is recommended to treat seeds with Carbendazim at the rate of 2 grams per kilogram of seed before sowing. If symptoms are observed in the field, curative action should be taken by spraying Mancozeb at 2 grams or Carbendazim at 3 grams per liter of water to control the spread and minimize damage.

d) Bacterial Wilt

Bacterial wilt in pumpkin is a serious disease characterized by sudden and rapid wilting of vines, often leading to plant death, and is primarily transmitted by cucumber beetles. Effective management involves controlling the beetle population through insecticides or traps to prevent disease spread and promptly removing and destroying infected plants (roguing) to reduce further transmission within the field.

e) Gummy Stem Blight

Gummy stem blight in pumpkin presents as stem cankers, leaf spots, and fruit rot, which can severely affect plant vigor and reduce marketable yield. To manage this disease effectively, regular fungicide sprays combining Mancozeb and Carbendazim are recommended, as they help control the fungal infection and protect healthy plant tissues.

Harvesting

Harvesting of the crop should be done at around140 days after planting when key maturity indicators are observed, including hard rind resistant to thumbnail pressure, deep and uniform color characteristic of the variety (such as deep orange, tan, or blue-gray) with fading green stripes, corky and woody stem that begins to crack or shrivel at the attachment point, a hollow sound when thumped, and vine senescence near the fruit.

Using sharp pruning shears or a knife, fruits should be cut from the vine, ensuring 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) of stem remains attached; care should be taken not to carry fruits by the stem alone to avoid breakage and potential rot. Gentle handling is crucial to prevent bruising, and harvesting should ideally be done in dry field conditions before the first hard frost to ensure quality and storability.

Yield

Pumpkin yield varies significantly depending on factors such as variety (small-fruited vs. giant types), climate conditions, soil fertility, pest and disease management, irrigation, and overall cultivation practices, with average yields typically ranging from 8 to 10 tonnes per acre. After harvest, except for ornamental or mini varieties, pumpkins should be cured in a warm (27–30°C), dry, and well-ventilated area for 10–14 days to harden the skin and heal stem scars, followed by long-term storage in a cool (10–15°C), dry, and well-ventilated space to maintain quality and shelf life.

Cost of Investment per acre for Pumpkin Farming

Income from per-acre Pumpkin Farming

Analysis of Pumpkin Farming Profit Per Acre

The profit analysis reveals a total income of NRs. 160,000 against an investment of NRs. 37,000, resulting in a net profit of NRs. 123,000. This translates to a profit margin of approximately 76.88%, indicating strong profitability. The cost efficiency is evident, with the production cost per kg calculated at NRs. 4.625, while the profit per kg stands at NRs. 15.375 based on a selling price of NRs. 20. Furthermore, the return on investment (ROI) is an impressive 332.43%, demonstrating excellent financial returns relative to the initial expenditure.

Crop Calendar for Pumpkin Farming

Sources

National Horticulture Board (NHB), India

Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Tamil Nadu Agriculture University (TNAU)

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)