As the Bengali month of Bhadra begins, ushering in the autumn season amid widespread waterlogging, farmers are being advised to grow bottle gourd on slightly elevated land. While bottle gourd is typically a winter vegetable, it can now be cultivated year-round, though excessive rainfall may reduce yields.
According to the Department of Agricultural Information, Bhadra is a suitable time for sowing bottle gourd seeds. Farmers should prepare pits or mounds 4–5 meters apart, each measuring 75 centimeters in width and 60 centimeters in depth. Into each pit, 20 kilograms of cow dung, 200 grams of TSP fertilizer, and 75 grams of MOP fertilizer should be applied. Four to five seeds should be sown in each pit, and two to three weeks after germination, an additional 250 grams of urea and 75 grams of MOP should be applied in two to three installments.
For seedling production, a raised and well-ventilated area should be chosen. Seedbeds should be one meter wide and as long as needed. Improved seed varieties are recommended for better yield. After germination, the soil between the rows should be loosened, and necessary measures should be taken to protect the plants from pest attacks.
Proper cultivation during Bhadra can ensure a good harvest, enabling farmers to meet household needs and sell the surplus in local markets.
