Cucumber farming: A profitable business for farmers

Lucknow: Cucumber farming is getting popularity in India amid its profitability and health advantages. It is widely used in salads and vegetable dishes and remains in demand throughout the year. It is replete with vitamins and other essential minerals. Besides this, cucumber farming is a reliable source of income for farmers; it is best grown in humid conditions, and 20-30°C is considered an ideal temperature.

Additionally, fertile, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 suits cucumber cultivation. Before planting, arrangement of good drainage and organic manure gives significant production. Some of the varieties, such as Pusa Utkirsh, Pusa Safed, and Japanese Green, should be used for better yields. February to March or June to July is the perfect time to sow the seed; it must be planted 2-3 cm deep with a space of 1.5-2 feet between rows.

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Water the plant every 3-4 days. Drip irrigation is effective for increasing crop quality. Proper care, such as weeding, pest management, and disease control, helps in bumper production. Use chemical solution to keep the plant free from diseases. Cucumbers become mature for harvest within 50-60 days of sowing, increasing demand; prices depend on season and quality. Farmers can earn easily through selling produce in local markets and vegetable mandis. Currently, polyhouse and net house farming and mulching have made it possible to harvest cucumbers all the time.

Cucumber farming is a profitable business for the horticulture farmers. They need to adopt modern techniques for better yield that would boost their income as well.