Effect of low poly tunnel on the yield and economics of bottle gourd

The main objective of Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) is to demonstrate newly released crop production technologies and its management practices at the farmer's field under different agro-climatic regions and farming situations. Realizing the importance of frontline demonstrations in transfer of off season production technologies in bottle gourd, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Maulasar, Nagaur-II conducted FLDs at farmers’ field to assess the economic feasibility of technology. Result of a comparative evaluation of low poly tunnel technology and traditional growing method of bottle gourd showed that the average yield of demonstrations was found to be 298 q /ha, whereas, for local crop, it was found to be 245 q/ha. The gross returns (Rs. 238400/ha), net returns (Rs. 138200/ha) and BCR (2.38) ratio were also recorded highest in bottle gourd grown under low tunnel compared to local check. The total bottle gourd yield and net profit per unit area were above normal when grown under low tunnels as the produce reached the market early avoiding the market glut.