- Scientific cultivation of cucumber has become a boon
Commercial cucumber cultivation is a highly profitable business, yielding yields within 45 to 50 days. In commercial cultivation, cucumbers should be raised using scaffolding and wire support rather than spreading them out on the ground. This prevents the fruits from coming into contact with the ground, prevents rotting, and maintains their excellent shape, color, and shine, thus fetching excellent market prices. Fruits are ready for harvesting 45 to 50 days after sowing. The scaffolding method yields approximately 30 to 45 quintals per acre.
A progressive farmer from Dhamtari district has demonstrated how farming can become a profitable business with proper guidance and support from government schemes, even in times of limited resources and traditional farming.
Mr. Khimanshu Gajesingh, a farmer from the Special Backward Tribe (Kamar community) of Selbahra village, Nagari block, Dhamtari district, has become an inspiration for other farmers in the region. Mr. Gajesingh owns a total of 10 acres of agricultural land, of which he commercially cultivated cucumbers
on 4 acres this year. With regular contact and technical guidance from Horticulture Department officials, he adopted scientific methods such as advanced farming techniques, quality seed selection, balanced nutrition management, modern irrigation, and plant protection. The journey from traditional to scientific farming: Previously, Mr. Gajesingh faced a significant challenge in covering the cost of farming, and his income was extremely limited. However, after adopting modern agricultural techniques, the tables turned. This scientific farming has significantly improved both the quality and yield of his cucumber crop. His cucumbers are in high demand in both local markets and surrounding areas. Receiving fair and reasonable prices for his produce has strengthened his family’s financial situation.
Expressing his joy at his success, Mr. Khimanshu Gajesingh explained that the technical advice from department officials and the support of government schemes have allowed him to view farming from a new perspective. Inspired by this success, I now plan to expand to other horticultural crops in the future and further increase production through modern agricultural techniques. The Horticulture Department is also continuously working to increase farmers’ income and make them self-reliant by connecting them with modern technologies. Mr. Gajesingh’s achievement proves that by leveraging scientific innovation and government schemes, agriculture can become a sustainable and highly profitable business.