Grew pumpkin on half-acre, planted again | Pumpkin Farming | Rythu Badi

Summary

• Nagarkurnool district farmer Mekala Lakshminarayana of Urkondapeta planted his second pumpkin crop on 0.5 acre with Shaheen variety (Yaksun company) at Rs 600/50 g packet, 5 packets = Rs 3,000 seed.
• Crop duration 90-120 days; spacing 4 ft x 2 ft; total cost ~Rs 25,000-30,000/acre including Rs 3,000 land prep, Rs 1,400 NPK 20-20-13 basal, Rs 1,500 for 1-2 sprays against leaf pests at day 60, harvest labour and Rs 5,000 transport to Hyderabad.
• First crop (Dasara 2022) yielded 75-80 bags (40-45 kg each) ~3-3.5 tonnes from 0.5 acre even with weed damage from neglect; sold whole consignment at Bonpally Hyderabad market commission-free at Rs 800-1,200/bag = Rs 55,000 net of Rs 25,000 expenses.
• Crop tolerates dry spells well - water only every 15-20 days; suitable for farmers managing multiple crops where pumpkin can wait without harm.
• Currently planting 2 phases 10 days apart to capture price spread; targets Dasara/Diwali peak when shops smash pumpkins for puja; aims for 5 tonnes per 0.5 acre this time with better weed control.