Watermelon thrives at Kakching Khunou
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12 2015 :
Watermelon cultivation in Kakching Khunou, Thoubal district has flourished and many farmers are engaged in large scale watermelon cultivation for sustainable living.
Located about 66 kms from Imphal, Kakching Khunou village of Thoubal district is fast becoming watermelon hub of the State.
Watermelon needs warm temperature of up to 80 degrees during the day.
The climate change has made Manipur a fertile ground for watermelon cultivation, according to the farmers.
Plantation of watermelon normally starts in the last week of January and is ready for sale by the first week of May.
Preparation for the plantation starts around last week of December or right after paddy is harvested.
Days of maturity range from 60 to 90 days depending on the variety, according to experts.
"The business of cultivating watermelon requires some dedicated labour and utmost care even though they are profitable.
Plantation of watermelon is most suitable when there is little rainfall," said an enterprising farmer, Kh Nanaobi.
During the peak season of watermelon, farmers can earn up to Rs 3000 a day, added Kh Nanaobi.
According to another farmer, at least 4,000 watermelon plants can be planted in a 2 acres of land and Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 is required to plant watermelon in an acre of land.
With the change in the concept of marketing strategy people are now more engaged in watermelon farming stated a farmer, adding such activity has brought positive competition amongst the farmers.
Even though some organizations had initiated watermelon festivals to promote watermelon cultivation in the State in recent years, the department concerned of the State still needs to work more to promote these farmers, added Kh Nanaobi.
She urged the authorities concerned to consider viability of watermelon cultivation as it could create enormous economic development for the people.
The melons produced are also exported to other parts of the State at the rate of Rs 20 to 25 per kg.
The farmers are also making integrated farming in their land by growing bottle gourd and cucumber, added Nanaobi.