Nearly half a dozen farmers in Juna Deesa village in Gujarat’s Banas Kantha district have become a source of inspiration for other farmers by growing watermelons in winter. The district which was known as ‘Rann ni Kandhi’ (on the edge of becoming a desert) is now making news in agriculture.
For the first time in Gujarat, farmers of Juna Deesa village in Deesa taluka have successfully cultivated watermelons in winter. Thanks to training in innovative farming by Deesa based Dr Yogesh Pawar of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and other experts, their income has doubled. It is worth noting that most of the watermelon cultivation takes place in summer months but now the farmers of Deesa Tehsil are trying new crops and reaping benefits.
Take the example of Jignesh Anavadia of Juna Deesa. A matriculate, Anavadia was determined to grow watermelons in winter and he did. He has been getting Rs 35 in this season compared to what he received last summer. “Farmers are coming from far and wide to see the crop and buy seeds. This is a successful crop. Other farmers should also plant watermelon in winter,” he said.
Seeing the profits, other farmers have also turned to watermelon cultivation in winter and at present more than five farmers in Deesa taluka have planted watermelon in winter and are earning good income from watermelon crop.
In Banaskantha district, the highest cultivation of watermelon and muskmelon takes place in the summer season in Deesa taluka and farmers get only Rs five per kilogram.
Banaskantha district has been associated with agriculture for many years. Farmers in this district had to restrict to seasonal farming due to severe water problems. By opting for new crops, ,most of the farmers of Deesa taluka have improved their income.
