Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Farmers in Kalyanpur are striking gold with a new bitter gourd variety. The Dhruva 81 crop is producing glossy, dark-green gourds that buyers love. It is a big win. Wholesale prices sit at 80 rupees per kilogram, while retail hits nearly 100 rupees.
Growth relies on timely land prep, regular irrigation, smart fertilization, and tight pest control. Local grower Amrit Das confirmed the shift in fortune. He said, "I have achieved better yields than before and is earning more due to strong market demand." Another farmer, Sukumar Pal, plans to expand his planting next season despite the hard labor required.
Rows of bamboo trellises now dominate the landscape. Farmers wake early to harvest, rushing crates to local markets to grab top prices. Agricultural experts suggest that access to quality seeds and better marketing could turn this into a long-term income stream for the region.
Success comes with strings attached. Profitability hinges on unpredictable weather, volatile input costs, and shifting market prices. Farmers are calling for consistent advisory support to lower these risks. For now, the heavy vines offer a rare moment of optimism for the community.
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