High demand, high returns: Spiny Gourd emerges as profitable crop in Ganjam

Farmers in Ganjam district are reaping significant profits from the cultivation of kankada (spiny gourd), a crop that commands high prices throughout the year but demands intensive manual labour. Villagers in Nimapalli under the Sorada block have been cultivating spiny gourd for years and continue to expand production due to its promising economic returns.

Spiny gourd farming requires considerably more effort compared to other vegetables. Farmers begin work at daybreak, first planting male and female tubers and then constructing bamboo trellises to support the vines as they grow.

Manual pollination is a critical part of the crop cycle. Each morning before sunrise, farmers hand-pick male flowers, collect the anthers and manually pollinate the female flowers. This must be completed before 11 am to ensure proper fruiting.

Farmers Expect High Returns

Despite the labour involved, farmers say the crop brings rewarding income.
“This year, we are expecting a profit of nearly Rs 1 lakh. The effort is high, and we work hard every morning, but the returns encourage us to continue,” one cultivator said.

A woman farmer added, “We collect the male flowers daily and pollinate the female flowers with the anthers. This must be done each morning before 11 am; otherwise, pollination will not occur.”

Strong Market Demand

Sorada block is well known for vegetable cultivation, and traders arrive early each morning to purchase spiny gourds in bulk. Farmers sell the produce at Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kilogram. With harvesting continuing from July to October, many farmers earn several lakhs of rupees in a single season, making spiny gourd one of the region’s most profitable agricultural ventures.