Innovative methods in vegetable

It is not what crops a farmer grows; it is the net profit he is able to get that is really important.

Be it cash crops or food crops, the bottom line is profit and this is what matters for any small farmer.

“Agriculture is a very big sector in this country. Soil, climate, labour — practically everything differs between states and regions. Even for the same crop variety yields vary for different soils. And the job for the researchers becomes all the more challenging to help and guide a farmer get a better profit under these situations,” Dr. I.S. Tomar, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jhabua.

Take the case of Mr. Balaram Patidhar from Sarangi village in Petlawad district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer is well known not only in his home state but also in the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Delhi.

Nothing exciting

Some years back the farmer was growing the usual maize and wheat which were common in the region. There was nothing exciting in terms of revenue but once he switched to growing crops like tomatoes and chillies the income from his land increased.

The reason for this was his ability to get a very good yield of nearly a tonne of tomatoes and chilli compared to others growing the same crops (maize and wheat) from a hectare.

In fact, after hearing this news till date nearly 5,000 people have been visiting the farmer to know his formula for getting such a high yield.

“The average yield in the state from both these crops in the recent past has not been very appreciative. Prolonged dry spells and sudden downpours during monsoon have affected yield of many crops,” explains Dr. Tomar.

Apart from the yield, the farmer has been able to successfully market his produce in New Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Indore markets and has been able to earn Rs.10-15 lakh a year.

Short term

This is something big in vegetable cultivation. Because, being a short term crop (3-4 months), and having a lower shelf life, fast disposal is important for both growers and buyers.

In fact, with the money he earned from his crops, Mr. Patidar has bought additional lands (from an acre he has increased the land holding to about 4.5 acres) to try his success formula in an expanded area.

“I use all the scientific technologies such as seed treatment, integrated pest management, nutrient management and water conservation methods in my field. I have set up drip irrigation for all the crops and presently grow capsicum and papaya in addition to tomatoes and chillies,” says the farmer.

Bund maker

Mr. Patidar is also credited with designing a tractor operated bund maker and fertilizer drill for making ridges in fields in which papaya, tomato, and chilli are cultivated.

The device consists of two (six feet long and 1.4 feet width) iron plates. One end of the plates are joined together in a “V” shape and fitted with a frame. A fertilizer drum with a pulley system is attached to this.

Adjustments are provided to suit the size and fertilizer application amount for farmers.

Cost

The machine is priced at Rs. 8,000 and is quite popular among farmers who are used to growing papaya, tomatoes and chilli crops traditionally and this requires more labour and takes time.

“Never take decisions on an impulse to grow something. Always make it a point to visit and interact with successful growers before you embark on something,” is Mr. Patidar’s advice to other farmers.

Patience and a long study of the crop, its market and several interactions with the concerned people are all important aspects to be considered if one needs to get a good return, according to him.

Best Innovator

The farmer was conferred the Best Innovator award by the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, for his innovation and also the State Progressive Farmer award.

Pepino Growing

Who doesn’t like easy fruit growing? Especially in these days of changing climates, we look for edible plants that can withstand extremes. So the pepino (Solanum muricatum), known also as melon pear, is just the thing. It has been widely known in South America where it originated, but it took quite a while to get into Australian gardens. One of its big advantages is that it is a bushy shrub which persists from year to year in temperate regions and produces fruit for many months – even the whole year in warmer areas.

Strictly speaking, we should refer to it as Pepino dulce (sweet pepino) to distinguish it from the Spanish for cucumber which is just pepino. As you can tell from the botanical name, it is a member of the family Solanaceae and is, therefore, related to potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants.

The bush produces clusters of purple and white flowers, which look like those of the potato, at the end of stems. Although self-fertile, fruiting will be enhanced by the presence of bees. Pepinos produce very pale green fruit which, as they grow larger and mature, develop purple stripes. At maturity the purple stripes are still there but the yellow becomes much darker.

Growing pepinos

Like most fruit and veggies, it does best in a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5. It helps to supply plenty of compost or worm castings, but steer clear of manures or other fertilisers which have higher nitrogen content in relation or potassium or phosphorus if you want to encourage fruiting rather than leaf growth. Since the roots are quite shallow, they have moderate water requirements, so keep the ground well mulched in summer. It will grow in a variety of climates, but although it prefers warmth, it will withstand short periods around 0°C if cut right back after fruiting and covered during frosts. Although they are susceptible to pests which attack tomatoes, in my hands at least, they don’t seem to suffer much from pest problems.

A trellis of some kind is usually necessary to stabilise the bush against strong winds and support the branches which grow quite heavy with fruit and, if left to trail on the ground, make an accessible and attractive meal for any wandering rodents. Just tie the branches to the support as they grow. One bush will spread to about 1 metre high and wide. As it grows, it is best to remove some of the shoots, especially those that point away from the trellis, so that plenty of air and light reach all parts of the bush. If you want to propagate pepinos, cuttings strike easily and branches will produce roots if they are touching ground. They can be grown from seed, but resulting plants may not be the same as the parent. At least 8 varieties which differ in their size, taste and texture are available in California, but not so many seem to be available in Australia.

Using the fruit

Don’t be tempted to harvest fruit before they are really yellow since they won’t have acquired full sweetness. Ripe flesh is a very pale yellow-orange in colour. Pick the ripest fruit in the cluster, and the others will continue to mature. Handle carefully since they bruise easily. They can be stored on the kitchen bench for several days, or in the refrigerator for several weeks provided the temperature is not below 5° C.

Since they taste like rockmelon/honeydew melon with a hint of cucumber flavour they can be used in deserts or in savoury dishes. The skin is not normally eaten, although it can be. They make useful additions to fruit salads and can be turned into sweet sauces and chutneys. Try wrapping slices in prosciutto, mixing cubes with yoghurt or tossing in with lemon juice in savoury salads.

PEPINO

PEPINO DULCE

Solanum muricatum Ait.

Solanaceae

Common Names: Pepino Dulce, Pepino, Melon Pear, Melon Shrub, Pear Mellon

Related Species: Wonderberry (Solanum X burbanikii), Tzimbalo (S. caripense), Lulita (S. pectinatum), Lulo comun (S. pseudolulo), Naranjilla (S. quitoense), Garden Huckleberry (S. scabrum), Cocona (S. sessiliflorum),

Distant Affinity: Tree Tomato, Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea), Casana (Cyphomandra casana), Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopsersicum), Mexican Husk Tomato, Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), Cape Gooseberry, Poha Berry (Physalis peruviana) and others.

Origin: The pepino dulce is native to the temperate Andean regions of Colombia, Peru and Chile. The plant is not known in the wild, and the details of it origin are not known. The fruit is grown commercially in New Zealand, Chile and Western Australia. The pepino dulce was being grown in San Diego before 1889 and was listed by Francisco Franceschi of Santa Barbara in 1897. Improved cultivars were imported into California from New Zealand and elsewhere in more recent times.

Adaptation: The pepino dulce is a fairly hardy plant that grows at altitudes ranging from near sea level to 10,000 ft. in its native regions. However it does best in a warm, relatively frost-free climate. The plant will survive a low temperature of 27 to 28° F if the freeze is not prolonged, but may loose many of its leaves. It can be grown in many parts of central and southern California, although it does best in locations away from the coast and is not well suited for hot, interior gardens. Pepino dulce has been grown and has fruited in the milder areas of northern California (Sunset Climate Zones 16 and 17). The plant is small enough to be grown satisfactorily in a container.

DESCRIPTION

Growth Habit: Pepino dulce is a small, unarmed, herbaceous plant or bush with a woody base and fibrous roots. Growth is erect or ascending to about 3 feet high and several feet across. It is similar in these respects to a small tomato vine, and like the tomato may need staking or other support.

Foliage: The bright green leaves are sparsely covered with very small hairs. In appearance the pepino dulce is much like a potato plant, but the leaves may take many forms--simple and entire, lobed, or divided into leaflets.

Flowers: The small flowers are blue, violet-purple or white marked with purple, and are similar in form to unopened potato flowers. The pepino dulce is deemed to be parthenocarpic but a much heavier crop results from self-pollination or cross-pollination. The plants will not set fruit until the night temperatures are above 65° F.

Fruit: The fruit also show considerable diversity in size and shape. In the areas of its origin there are small oblong types with many seeds, while others are pear or heart-shaped with few or many seeds. Still others are round, slightly larger than a baseball and completely seedless. The colors also vary--completely purple, solid green or green with purple stripes, or cream colored with or without purple stripes. The fruit of cultivars grown in this country are usually round to egg-shaped, about 2 to 4 inches long, with some growing up to 6 inches. The skin is typically yellow or purplish green, often with numerous darker streaks or stripes. The flesh is greenish to white and yellowish-orange. Better quality fruit is moderately sweet, refreshing and juicy with a taste and aroma similar to a combination of cantaloupe and honeydew melon. In poor varieties there can be an unpleasant "soapy" aftertaste. The fruit matures 30 to 80 days after pollination.

CULTURE

Location: The plant likes a sunny or semi-shaded, frost-free location, sheltered from strong winds. It does well planted next to a south-facing wall or in a patio.

Soil: The pepino dulce does best in a fertile (but not too fertile), free draining, neutral soil ( pH of 6.5-7.5). It is not as tolerant of salinity as the tomato. Mulching will help suppress weed growth.

Irrigation: The pepino dulce is quite sensitive to moisture stress as their root systems spread out and are quite shallow. Irrigation techniques are thus crucial for the health of the plants as well as for pollination, fruit set and quality of the fruit crop. Some growers feel that overhead sprinkling may even favor increased pollination. Microjets appear to deliver moisture better than trickle irrigation.

Fertilization: The plants should be fertilized in a manner similar to a tomato plant, mixing in some well-rotted manure to the plant site several weeks in advance and supplementing with a 5-10-10 NPK granular fertilizer as needed. Soils that are too rich produce vigorous vegetative growth which can lead to reduced fruit set and quality, plus an increase in pest problems.

Pruning: Pruning of the pepino dulce is not needed unless the plant is being trained to a trellis. In this case treat it as one would a tomato vine. Opening the the fruits to light increases the purple striping and improves the general appearance.

Frost Protection: In areas where frost may be a problem, providing the plant with some overhead protection or planting them next to a wall or a building may be sufficient protection. Individual plants are small enough to be fairly easily covered during cold snaps by placing plastic sheeting, etc. over a frame around them. Plastic row covers will also provide some frost protection for larger plantings. Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area.

Propagation: The pepino dulce can be grown from seeds, but is usually propagated vegetatively from cuttings. Three to five inch stem cuttings are taken leaving 4 or 5 leaves at the upper end. Treatment with rooting hormones will help increase uniformity in rooting and development of heavier root systems. The cuttings are then placed in a fast-draining medium and placed under mist or otherwise protected from excessive water loss. Bottom heat also is helpful. With the right conditions most of the cuttings quickly root and are ready for potting up in individual containers. Rooted cuttings set out after the danger of frost (February to April) should be large enough to start blooming shortly after planting. The fruit will then have time to grow and ripen during the warm summer months. When planted out, a spacing of about 2 to 3 ft. between bushes is recommended.

Pests and Diseases: The plant is affected by many of the diseases and pests that afflict tomatoes and other solanaceous plants, including bacterial spot, anthracnose, and blights caused by Alternaria spp. andPhytophthora spp. The various pests include spider mite, cut worm, hornworm, leaf miner, flea beetle, Colorado potato beetle and others. Fruit fly is a serious pest where they are a problem. Greenhouse grown plants are particularly prone to attack by spider mites, white flies and aphids

Harvest: Individual fruits should not be picked until they are completely mature to assure the highest flavor and sugar content. Different cultivars vary, but the ground color of many mature fruits is somewhat yellow to light orange. Ripe fruit also bruises easily and requires careful handling. Such fruit should store well for 3 to 4 weeks at around 38° F under relatively high humidity. Fruit destined for distant markets would need to be picked earlier just before full ripeness. As it turns out this happens to be a good time to pick the fruit. Studies have shown that fruit in the middle degree of ripeness has the best performance in cold storage. Over-ripe fruit suffers most from physiological problems such as internal breakdown, discoloration and dehydration. If harvested too early, insufficient ripening and development of flavor and sweetness can result. The pepino dulce is commonly chilled and eaten fresh much like a cantaloupe or other melon.

Commercial Potential: The pepino dulce is a successful commercial crop in several countries such as New Zealand and Chile, and there appears to be no reason it can't find a niche in this country in Farmer's Market sales and elsewhere. The fruit is strikingly attractive and its storage capability and shelf life permit great flexibility in marketing. For good market acceptance it is important to select cultivars with the sweetest and most flavorful fruit. Additional breeding and selection is also needed to further enhance these qualities.

By : https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pepino.html

pepino cultivation

The family Solanaceae (Nightshade) accounts for a significant number of our basic food plants, one of the most common being the Irish potato. A lesser known member, the pepino melon shrub (Solanum muricatum), is an evergreen shrub native to the mild Andean regions of Colombia, Peru and Chile. 

What is a Pepino?

It is unknown exactly where pepino melon shrubs originate, but it does not grow in the wild. So what is pepino?

Growing pepino plants are cultivated in temperate regions of California, New Zealand, Chile and Western Australia and appear as a small woody, three foot or so shrub that is hardy to USDA zone 9. The foliage looks very similar to that of the potato plant while its growth habit is akin to that of a tomato and, for this reason, may often require staking.

The plant will flower from August to October and fruit appears from September through November. There are many cultivars of pepino, so the appearance may vary. Fruit from the growing pepino plants may be round, oval or even pear shaped and may be white, purple, green or ivory in color with purple striping. The flavor of the pepino fruit is similar to that of a honeydew melon, hence its common name of pepino melon, which can be peeled and eaten fresh.

Additional Pepino Plant Information

Additional pepino plant information, sometimes called pepino dulce, tells us that the name ‘Pepino’ comes from the Spanish word for cucumber while ‘dulce’ is the word for sweet. This sweet melon-like fruit is a good source of vitamin C with 35 mg per 100 grams.

The flowers of pepino plants are hermaphrodites, having both male and female organs, and are pollinated by insects. Cross pollination is likely, resulting in hybrids and explaining the vast differences between fruit and foliage amongst growing pepino plants.

Pepino Plant Care

Pepino plants may be grown in sandy, loamy or even heavy clay soils, although they prefer alkaline, well-draining soil with an acid neutral pH. Pepinos should be planted in sun exposure and in moist soil.

Sow the pepino seeds in the early spring in a warm greenhouse or inside. Once they have attained enough size to transplant, transfer into individual pots but keep them in the greenhouse for their first winter. Once they are a year old, transfer the pepino plants outside to their permanent location in the late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. Protect from frost or cold temperatures. Overwinter indoors or inside the greenhouse.

Pepino plants do not set fruit until the night temperatures are over 65 degrees F. The fruit matures 30-80 days after pollination. Harvest the pepino fruit just before it is fully ripe and it will store at room temp for several weeks.

Farming profit

The year 2013 was a mixed bag for investors in farm commodities. While guar gum, guar seed and chana (chickpea) prices fell over 25%, coriander, pepper, castor seeds and soy meal returned over 15%. Out of the 21 major commodities which trade on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), 11 gave positive returns last year. We discuss their prospects for 2014.

Coriander: India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of coriander. It accounts for more than 80% global production. Coriander is a rabi crop, sown between mid-October and November, and harvested in February-March. It is grown mostly in southeast Rajasthan.

In 2013, coriander prices rose 47% as output went down drastically due to fall in area under cultivation and bad weather. However, there was a price fall towards the middle of the year (April-August) from Rs 7,646 a quintal to Rs 5,000. But the trend changed soon after due to lean supply and high exports.

"Lower area under cultivation pushed up prices further and they touched Rs 7,853 per quintal on December 31," says Vedika Narvekar, chief manager, agri commodities, Angel Commodity Broking. On 1 January 2013, coriander was trading at Rs 5,366.40 a quintal.

Market experts say that over the last few years, coriander production has not been stable, and has been fluctuating between two and four lakh tonnes. The 2012-13 production was near two lakh tonnes. Of this, the country exported 30,700 tonnes in January-September 2013 (valued around Rs 240 crore).

Angel's Narvekar says coriander prices may keep rising in the first quarter of 2014 due to fall in stocks and area under cultivation. But prices may start falling from April as new crop comes to the market. Going forward, prices will take cues from export demand and output in other major producing countries such as Morocco, Canada, Pakistan and Romania. In the last quarter of 2014 (October-December), prices will depend upon monsoon rainfall and sowing expectations. Technically, coriander is expected to trade in the range of Rs 5,920-9,300 a quintal.

Pepper: Strong demand, both in overseas and domestic markets, due to tight supply supported prices in 2013. Prices rose 37% from Rs 37,888 a quintal on January 1 to Rs 51,918 a quintal on December 31.

Uncertainty over 7,000 tonnes pepper seized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in response to reports about adulteration led to concerns over availability and supported prices.

-0.6% is the average return given in 2013 by commodities on the NCDEX

Exports in April-September rose 36% to 10,200 tonnes from 7,515 tonnes in the same period a year ago, according to the Spices Board.

"India's pepper production next year is estimated to be 45,000-48,000 tonnes, a massive drop from the previous year's projection of 55,000 tonnes. Domestic consumption is estimated at 48,300-50,000 tonnes," says C P Krishnan, wholetime director, Geojit Comtrade.

Limited availability means export demand is estimated to remain high in 2014 as well. "Prices are likely to stay firm, possibly around Rs 44,000-60,000 a quintal, with a positive bias. Anticipation of supply crunch due to probable fall in output in India is likely to support the commodity. An unexpected fall below Rs 40,000 will signal weakness," says Krishnan.

Castor Seed: Castor seed is sown in July-August. The crop starts arriving in the market from December. Gujarat accounts for 86% of the country's production. It is followed by Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Castor oil (extracted from castor seed) and its derivatives are used to make soaps, lubricants, hydraulic/brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, wax, polishes, nylon, medicines and perfumes. India is the biggest exporter of castor oil and accounts for 70% global trade, followed by China and Brazil.

On the NCDEX, prices rose 21% from Rs 3,731 a quintal on 1 January 2013 to Rs 4,512 on December 31. Kunal Shah, head, commodity research, Nirmal Bang, says, "Castor seed prices shot up mainly because of high exports."

Experts say carryover stock in January 2014 is expected to be close to four lakh tonnes, down 50% from the previous year. India had eight lakh tonnes stock at the start of 2013 due to bumper output in 2012. Availability of castor seed in 2014 is expected to be 14.5 lakh tonnes as against 20.5 lakh tonnes in 2013. Reports about fall in area under cultivation and depleting stocks have already led to a sharp rise in castor seed prices.

Wheat Planting and Harvest Seasons

Wheat crops around the world have their own unique production cycles of planting and harvest timeframes. Below are the window of opportunities for planting and harvesting wheat crops within each country. Grain prices tend to fluctuate the most during the growing seasons, as supply expectations can shift significantly due to planted acreage, weather and growing conditions.

In the United States and China, there are two seasonal wheat crops - spring wheat and winter wheat.

Winter wheat accounts for nearly three-fourths of total U.S. production. North Dakota accounts for more than half of all U.S. spring wheat. The largest producing states for winter wheat are Kansas, Texas and Washington.

United States (8 percent of world production)

Winter Wheat:

Planting: Winter wheat is planted from mid-August through October.

By : http://commodities.about.com/od/researchcommodities/a/wheat-seasons.htm

Soybean Planting and Harvest Seasons

Soybean crops around the world have their own unique production cycles of planting and harvest timeframes. Below are the window of opportunities for planting and harvesting soybean crops within the largest soybean production countries. Grain prices tend to fluctuate the most during the growing seasons, as supply expectations can shift significantly due to planted acreage, weather and growing conditions.

In the United States, most of the soybean crops are grown in the Midwest and the Delta regions.

Typically, the southernmost areas will begin planting first and then the most northern areas will begin planting as the snow is gone and the soil is thawed.

United States (38 percent of world production)

Planting: Soybean crops are planted beginning in late April and last through June.

Harvest: Soybeans are mainly harvested in late September and is finished by the end of November.

By : http://commodities.about.com/od/profilesofcommodities/a/soybean-growing.htm