Pumpkin is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that can be grown in different climatic conditions. It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is rich in vitamin A, C, and fiber.
There are many varieties of pumpkin available in India, such as Arka Chandan, Arka Suryamukhi, Pusa Vishwas, Pusa Hybrid-1, and Pusa Hybrid-2. They differ in shape, size, color, and yield potential.
Pumpkin requires well-drained sandy loam or clay loam soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The land should be plowed and harrowed to make it fine and level. The seeds should be sown in pits or ridges at a spacing of 3 x 3 m.
Pumpkins need regular irrigation during germination, flowering, and fruit development stages. The frequency and amount of water depend on the soil type and weather conditions. Pumpkin also requires adequate fertilization for optimum growth and yield.
Pumpkin is susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as fruit fly, aphids, powdery mildew, mosaic virus, and anthracnose. To control them, timely and judicious use of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods is advised.
Pumpkins are ready for harvest when the fruit skin becomes hard and the stalk turns brown. The fruits should be harvested carefully with a sharp knife and a portion of the stalk attached. The harvested fruits should be graded, packed, and transported to the market or storage facility.