24–27°C
Ideal temp
A Collaboration of
A Collaboration of
Kharif and Zaid Crop · Cucurbitaceae Family
Bitter Gourd is a short-duration, warm-season vegetable grown in two seasons across India. It is cultivated for fresh markets, juice production, and processed food. The crop has a total field duration of 90–120 days with a continuous harvest window of 2 to 3 months.
First harvest: 55–65 days
Two seasons: Zaid and Kharif
Optimal temp: 24–27°C
40–60 qtl per acre
24–27°C
Ideal temp
Sandy loam
Best soil
55–65 days
First harvest
90–120 days
Total duration
40–60 qtl
Yield/acre
Feb–Mar (temp 24–27°C)
Zaid sowing
June–July (temp 25–30°C)
Kharif sowing
Bitter Gourd completes five growth stages from germination to the end of the harvest period. Total crop duration is 90 to 120 days.
Germination
अंकुरण
Vine growth
Day 20–25
Flowering
Day 40–45
First harvest
Day 55–65
Season ends
Day 90–120
Basic agronomic and physical characteristics of the Bitter Gourd crop.
Plant type
Long climbing vine
Fruit colour
Green, warty surface
Fruit length
10–30 cm
Taste
Bitter (increases with age)
Water need
600–1000 mm/season
Temperature
24–27°C optimal growth
Variety selection depends on cropping season, soil type, and target market. Hybrid varieties generally produce higher and more uniform yields. Open pollinated varieties have lower seed cost.
Long fruits, good yield, widely available seed at low cost
Dark green, uniform fruits, preferred in wholesale markets
Early fruiting, suitable for Zaid summer season
Developed by IIHR Bangalore; suited for summer and rainy seasons
High yield potential, extended fruiting period, suitable for commercial markets
Limited urban market demand, fetches higher price per kg
Indicative figures for one acre under standard management conditions. Actual returns vary with season, variety, and market access.
Common pests, diseases, and management issues in bitter gourd cultivation. Early identification and timely management help reduce crop loss.
Larvae infest fruit internally, making it unmarketable. Install pheromone traps before flowering begins, typically around 30–35 days after sowing. Monitor the field every 3 to 4 days.
White powdery growth on leaves in humid conditions. Spreads quickly if not treated. Begin preventive fungicide application at the first sign of infection.
The crop is sensitive to root zone saturation. Use raised beds with good drainage on both sides, especially during Kharif season.
Fewer fruits despite normal flowering. Usually linked to Boron deficiency or low pollinator activity. Apply Boron foliar spray at 25 to 30 days after sowing.
Bitter Gourd is grown commercially across a range of agro-climatic zones in India.
Hindi
05:06
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
Hindi
05:28
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
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04:52
Soil Preparation and Land Levelling
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06:10
Sowing Methods and Best Practices
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05:45
Sowing Methods and Best Practices
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07:20
Irrigation Scheduling for Wheat
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Fertilizer Application
Hindi06:30
Fertilizer Application
Hindi05:45
Fertilizer Application
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Harvesting and Threshing
Hindi07:40
Harvesting and Threshing
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Harvesting and Threshing
Wheat is grown as a Rabi crop, sown from October to December and harvested from March to May.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are among the major wheat-producing states.
Wheat is grown as a Rabi crop, sown from October to December and harvested from March to May.
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are among the major wheat-producing states.
