ગુજરાતી
English
Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, 13 December 2023
Jayantibhai Japadiya, a farmer from Jasdan Shivrajpur in Rajkot district of Gujarat, has cultivated watermelon on 4 bighas of land in winter. They do organic farming. 500 mans i.e. 10,000 kg watermelons ripen in one acre. And the average production per hectare can be considered as 24700 kg. Production of 24.7 tonnes per hectare. 30 to 40 tonnes ripen in summer. Whose price ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 15 per kg. Whereas the price of winter ripe watermelon is Rs 25 per kg.
11 kg watermelon Rs 275
The largest watermelon of 11 kg has grown in his farm. Which was sold for Rs 275. Watermelons weighing 8 to 9 kg were obtained. Thus, big size watermelons have grown in abundance in his farm. Which has become possible due to organic or natural farming. If chemicals had been added, such a jumbo watermelon would not have been produced. Through chemical cultivation of hybrid watermelon, one watermelon can grow up to 3 to 5 kg.
Net profit of Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand
He has earned a net profit of Rs 1 lakh 50 thousand from the watermelons planted in the month of Shravan. During the three-month melon harvest, Jentibhai sells the fruits from his farm. 800 maunds in 4 bighas and production Rs. Profit of Rs 3 lakhs in which their cost is only Rs 20 thousand, totaling Rs. With 50 thousand lightbill. Net profit Rs. 2 lakh 50 thousand. Besides, the cost of chemical fertilizers and pesticides worth Rs 40 thousand in 4 bighas was also saved. The biggest social benefit he has earned is that as a farmer he has been exempted from giving cancer to people. The price is good, Rs 500 for 20 kg. They take money in fields and villages. Was sold for Rs 25. The sweetness was good so all the goods were sold from the wadi itself. His last Veena was on 3 December 2023. Harvesting started before Diwali.
Plantation was done in Shravan. By the end of November all the crops had been harvested. A total of 800 maunds of crops have been grown in 4 bighas of land. 600 maunds have been sold. 4 bighas for Rs. 3 lakhs have been produced in three months. Including water and labor expenses, Vigh has spent Rs 10,000. Rupee. There was a profit of Rs 70-75 thousand. Now profits in organic farming are increasing. Which may be due to high price, quality and high production.
No cost for medicine
Farmers get Rs. one bigha for pasteurized. Spends 3 thousand. Thus on average there is an advantage over chemicals. If you do organic farming for the first two years, you will get compensation in less production.
Watermelon in Gujarat
In Gujarat, 83 lakh tonnes of fruits are grown in 4 lakh 50 thousand hectares. On an average 18.50 tonnes of fruits ripen per hectare. According to the report of the National Horticulture Board, less than 1 thousand tonnes of watermelons are grown in Gujarat. The rest is imported. Thousands of tonnes of watermelon, which used to be produced free of cost, has stopped due to sand being lifted from the banks of 184 rivers in Gujarat.
Climate change
Watermelon crops are particularly suited to hot and dry climates. Frost damages this crop. Usually 250-300 cm. Watermelon is at temperature. Watermelon requires low humidity and high temperature during ripening. Sunlight increases the sugar content in watermelon and reduces the incidence of foliar diseases. A temperature between 24 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius is beneficial for the growth of vine. If the temperature changes and goes below 18°C or rises above 32°C, it adversely affects the vines and fruit set. If the temperature is below 21 °C, the seeds will not germinate. During the growth phase, if the air is humid and hazy, the vines do not develop properly and are prone to fungal diseases. Nowadays, this crop is cultivated throughout the year except summer and monsoon days.
But Jayantibhai has shown production in the winter of November.
Harvest twice
Watermelon is a summer crop. Watermelon is planted after Makar Sankranti when winter begins. Initially 50 to 55 days of warmth leads to better vegetative growth of the plant. Even if there is cold, there is no problem in the development of its fruits. In this way watermelon crop can be taken twice a year. Watermelon is cultivated in the summer season. Can be planted in other seasons also in areas with hot and dry climate.
Made in India
India is the third largest producer of watermelon. Maximum production takes place in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa. According to the latest National Horticulture Board data of the central government, Uttar Pradesh is at third place with 706.65 tonnes, Andhra Pradesh with 628.57 tonnes, Tamil Nadu with 315.19 tonnes. Karnataka produces 260.90 tonnes of watermelon, while Orissa produces 253.54 tonnes. Watermelon is imported in Gujarat. Production in Gujarat can range from 1 thousand to 350 tonnes.
Farming in Gujarat
According to the estimates of Gujarat Agriculture Department, watermelons and melons were planted in 10 thousand hectares in 2020 and production of 1 to 1.50 lakh tonnes was expected. Sweet Potato and Watermelon In Gujarat, 70% sweet potato and 30% watermelon are cultivated in an average of 7060 hectares. Cultivation is done in 5 thousand hectares in the sandy soil of Banaskantha. Half of which happens in December. Good farming is done in Sabarkantha and Jamnagar.
Quality
Watermelon fruit contains moisture 95.7%, protein 0.1%, fat 0.2%, minerals 0.2%, carbohydrate 3.8%, calcium 0.01% and phosphorus 0.01%, iron 0.2 mg/100 g; Carotene is very less. Ten juice contains 0.17% citrulline. It contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C is very less. Seeds are an excellent source of urease enzyme.
Amreli
Madhubhai Savaliya, a farmer from Bordi village of Dhari, Amreli, produced 40 tonnes of watermelon per acre in summer. 55 acres of land Rs. He ripened 2 crore watermelons in 2022.
Jayantibhai Ghan does farming using natural fertilizers and natural pesticides like Jeevamrit, Jeevamrit, Dashparni, Khati Chaash, Panchgavya etc. Crops like cucumber, sugarcane, custard apple, groundnut, wheat, sugarcane, jowar are grown through organic farming. Mulching in watermelon and cucumber. It has been 4 years since organic farming. The total land is 7 bighas.
Navsari Agricultural University
Research was conducted by Navsari Agricultural University. So watermelon can be used 100 percent. Earlier 40 percent had to be thrown away. At a cost of Rs 65 thousand, 30-40 tonnes of watermelon per hectare is ready in 90 days. Profit of Rs 1.10 lakh. Now if you make and sell juice, candy and juice, you can earn a good amount of money.
Candy
Candy is made from watermelon peel. Sugar is added equal to the weight of watermelon peel. 0.2 percent citric acid, 1500 ppm. Potassium metabolism sulphate is added. Then cut the watermelon peel into pieces and add TSS syrup to it. Leave for 72 hours until it reaches 70 degrees. Then wash the candy and dry it at 60 degree temperature till 17 percent moisture and pack it in 400 gauge bags. Normal temperature is maintained at 37 centigrade for 6 months.
Potassium pyrosulfite is a white crystalline powder with a pungent odor. It is mainly used as an antioxidant or chemical disinfectant. It is chemically similar to sodium metabisulfite, with which it is sometimes used.
Watermelon Nectar
Navsari Agricultural University has developed an innovative process for making watermelon nectar. In which 25 percent watermelon juice, sugar and citric acid are added to its TSS. It contains 1 percent pectin and 100 ppm while maintaining 16 brix and 0.3 percent acidity. By adding sodium benzoate and sterilizing glass bottles at 96°C for 5 minutes, acceptable quality standards are maintained for 6 months at normal temperature of 37°C.
Watermelon juice
Navsari Agricultural University has developed a method of making watermelon juice. TSS of watermelon juice 10 brix, acidity 0.3 percent, pectin 1 percent and sodium benzoate 100 ppm. It can maintain acceptable quality parameters for 6 months at normal temperature of 37 centigrade by sterilizing at 96 centigrade temperature for 5 minutes after filling in storage glass bottles.
Watermelon Juice Candies
To make candy that provides relief from heat, add 2 cups of watermelon juice and half a teaspoon of sugar in a kulfi mold, keep it in the freezer for 8 hours and serve it without the mold.
Marmalade
1.5 kg watermelon, inner white peel grated. The upper green bark is removed. Blanch the pieces. Can be cut into 1 inch pieces. Put it in water and take it out when it boils. Put the pieces and keep them in 1.5 kg sugar for 2 hours. Cook it on low flame. When the syrup becomes like a string between two fingers, add cardamom powder and nutmeg to it. Shake twice every 2-3 days. If the syrup seems thin instead of thick, heat it again. Murabba will be ready. You can add mace, vanilla essence, saffron in it.
Thus, farmers can get two big benefits by cultivating watermelon and simultaneously getting the yield from it.
Watermelon seeds ripen 10 days earlier if soaked for 24 hours
As soon as summer starts, there is such a flood of watermelons in the market.
The famous watermelon can be successfully cultivated in Gujarat from the plains to the river banks. This is a short duration crop. Its popularity is increasing due to its easy to grow, easy to transport to the market and good market price. Its raw fruit is used as a vegetable. Their ripe fruits are popular, sweet, cooling and thirst quenching.
Selection and preparation of soil: pH value of soil should be 6 to 7. This crop can be cultivated in most of the rivers. Watering should not be done, usually watermelons are planted in pits. Before making the pit, the soil should be hoeed. So that the seeds can germinate well. Before sowing watermelon, seed treatment should be done at the rate of 2.3 grams per kilogram of Thiram seeds.
New research
Agricultural scientists have found in many experiments that to protect against fungal diseases, soaking the seeds in water for 24 to 36 hours after sowing improves germination. The harvest arrives 7-10 days earlier. Watermelon can be sown from December to April, but mid-February is the best time.
The fruits ripen in 85-90 days and yield 30-40 tonnes per hectare. Cultivation of hybrid watermelon costs Rs 65 thousand and earns Rs 1.10 lakh.
Gender change
Watermelon can be transformed. Male flowers appear early. He developed the technique of making female flowers by changing his caste. Two sprays of ethephon or gibberellic acid (second spray at second to fourth leaf emergence and second spray at fifth leaf emergence) can increase the number of female flowers and increase production.
Sugar Baby:
The most popular is the American Sugar Baby variety, whose fruits weigh 3 to 4 kg. Weights are rounded off. The bark is brown dark green and the pulp is red.
Farming
Watermelon For the seeds of 4-6 kg seeds are required for one hectare area. Watermelon planting method: Shallow pit method – In this method, the depth should be 60 cm. 45 cm in diameter. The pit is dug 1.5-2.5 metres. After leaving them open for a week, fill them with manure and compost. – After this make a circular plate of 2-2.4 cm. Sow the seeds per basin depth and cover them with fine soil or cow dung. After germination, remove 2 plants per plate and leave the rest.
Deep pit method
This method is adopted on the banks of the river. It has 60.75 cm. Pits are made at a distance of 1.15 meters diameter. It is 30-40 cm from the surface. A mixture of soil, manure and compost is filled deeply. The remaining process is done according to the shallow pit method. In this method, vertical strips 2 meters wide are placed from the ground and at a distance of 1.15 meters from the edge.
Fertilizer
For watermelon, 1 hectare requires 250-300 kg of manure, 60-80 kg of nitrogen, 50 kg of phosphorus and 50 kg of potash. Before sowing, apply cowdung manure, phosphorus rich potash and 13 kg. Nitrogen. Watermelon is a summer crop. Cultivation in sandy loam soil requires less water and irrigation. Crops grown on river banks require irrigation until the plants become established. At other places, irrigation should be done every 3-4 days.
Candied Watermelon
Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, this vine is spreading, its leaves are green and divided into 5 parts, the fruits are round, with green stripes. The anus is thick and light in colour. And the seed cavity is small, the fruit is very sweet and has good aroma. In which soluble sugar is 10-12%. This variety becomes ready in 80-85 days. Its yield is 100-150 quintals per hectare.
Pusa Madhu Ras
Developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, this variety is obtained from the vine of Rajasthan. The vines are stronger and longer. The leaves are completely green and fruitful. It is somewhat flattened at both ends, its bark is smooth with yellow and green stripes, the anus is light orange. Sweet variety with good aroma. With a total soluble sugar content of 12–14%, the fruit weighs about 1 kg. This is a variety that is ready in 90-95 days. It is suitable for growing in India. The yield is up to 120 -125 quintals.
Green species
Green is a species of melon, this variety is produced from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, it is a very good variety in terms of sweetness and yield, its anus is light green, the average length of the vine is 2-3 meters.
Punjab Goldfish
This variety was developed in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. From the variety named Leela Madhu, the fruits of this variety are ready 12 days before and 77 days after sowing. The weight of the fruit is 700-800 grams. Each vine bears 2-3 fruits. The pulp is orange, juicy, thick and the fruit is very sweet to eat.
Durgapur – Green Pulp
Durgapur Madhu variety has been developed by Durgapur Vegetable Research Center of Udaipur University, Rajasthan, its fruits are round, peel is green and has green stripes, the pulp of the fruit is light green which is very sweet and tasty to eat.
Arca Flamingo – 5 kg watermelon
The Arka Flamingo variety has been developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, Karnataka. The fruits are medium to large in size and weigh 1.2 to 5.2 kg. The fruits are round or slightly oval. The fruits contain 11-17% sweetness. The pulp of the fruit is dense, hard and white. Its storage and transportation capacity is very good.
Asahi Yamato, Arka Jyoti, Milan, Asahi Yamato and private companies are all coming up. But for safety, the Agriculture Department has advised to grow varieties recommended by Gujarat Agricultural Universities.
Watermelon seeds increase sexual power and make skin beautiful.
Summer has started, now watermelons will also be available in the market. Watermelon is eaten and its seeds are thrown away. According to research done on Bee, eating it has many benefits for the body. Jain families in Gujarat regularly eat watermelon seeds. It is eaten after peeling. Farmers can do good business by getting such seeds. There is good earning if the prices are low due to bad quality of watermelon seeds. The use of watermelon seeds for health improvement has been recommended by Gujarat Agricultural University, after extracting the seeds and drying them for consumption, farmers can do business with the seeds.
Watermelon is a fruit in which water is found in abundance. Watermelon is good for hydrating our body, as it contains Vitamin A, C and potassium, zinc, fat and calories. The benefits of watermelon are found not only in its fruit but also in its seeds. Break watermelon seed pods and eat them.
Nutritional Content of Watermelon Seeds
There are 600 calories in 100 grams of watermelon seeds. It provides as many calories as 10 slices of bread. The fat content in 100 grams of watermelon seeds is about 80% of our daily fat intake.
1/3 is protein. The most essential protein is nisin. Good source of B vitamins like thiamine, niacin and folic acid.
100 grams of watermelon seeds contain minerals like Magnesium (139%), Manganese (87%), Phosphorus (82%), Zinc (74%), Iron (44%), Potassium (20%) and Copper (37%). Are. ) provides our daily minerals Is.
It is rich in iron, potassium, vitamins, fat and calories which are essential for our body to be muscular.
A natural source of amino acids.
It is a natural source of amino acids. Arginine and lysine. Lysine is essential for calcium absorption and collagen formation. This is necessary for older people. Arginine is used to promote our metabolic system and heart health.
Magnesium
100 grams contains 139% magnesium. It will boost metabolism, protein synthesis and normalize our blood pressure. Apart from this, they can also control diabetes and high blood pressure.
Health.
It contains lycopene and some vitamins. Good for sexual purpose. Watermelon seeds increase male fertility. For men, lycopene is good for enhancing their fertility as well as sexual desire. It works like a sex drug that prolongs erection. Lycopene also prevents premature aging.
To fight diabetes
Diabetic patients can use watermelon seeds as their medicine. Watermelon seeds can be consumed by boiling them for 40-45 minutes.
Sharpens memory
Our memory power increases and becomes sharper.
Blood pressure
Arginine is. Arginine is essential for controlling our blood pressure and curing coronary heart disease. Amino acids in watermelon seeds include tryptophan, glutamate acid, and lysine. Magnesium is essential for the heart.
Blocking our digestive system.
The most abundant vitamin B found in watermelon seeds is niacin. Niacin is essential for the health of our nervous system, digestive system and our skin. Other B vitamins in watermelon seeds include folic, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.
8 Reduces blood cholesterol
B fats are monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and fatty acids omega 6. According to the American Heart Association, both fats can lower our cholesterol levels and omega 6 fatty acids can lower blood pressure.
9 Improves skin and reduces aging
Lysine present in watermelon seeds is essential for the formation of collagen in our body to keep the skin healthy and prevent premature aging. Processed beans can be used as a healthy snack. It contains copper to promote hair growth. Our body needs pigments that color our hair as well as skin. Can produce hemoglobin. One serving of watermelon seeds provides 192 micrograms or 21% of our daily requirement of copper. Watermelon seeds contain antioxidants and oils that will make the skin younger, healthier and more vibrant, thereby preventing premature aging. The essential ingredients for baby oil are. Impurities are removed from the skin pores, the skin becomes healthy and free from acne. Powerful in protecting against skin cancer as well as skin infections. (This is for information, Google translate from Gujarati, use it after the opinion of Vaidya, Doctor and Agriculture expert)
