1Dept. of Geography, P.R.M.S. Mhavidyalaya, Baragari, Bankura, W. Bengal, India
2Dept. of Geography, Sonamukhi College, Sonamukhi, Bankura, W. Bengal, India, E-mail: kuntalchattorak@gmail.com
Online published on 4 January, 2017.
Bankura District is the south-western district in West Bengal, located in Chottonagpur Plateau fringe zone and ranked first in Pumpkin production. Here Cucurbita moschata Pumpkin is mostly found. Though Paddy is the most important ‘Kharif’ crop in this region Pumpkin has a great significance because Pumpkin cultivation does not need much effort and investment with a good return.
In the study region the Agro-climatic condition and physical properties of soil is suitable for Pumpkin cultivation. The pH value of the soils are slight acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.52 to 7.20. The percentage of organic carbon is also very low, ranging from 0.253 to 0.642.
Fertilizer usage in the Pumpkin field is unscientific and far from recommended level. Plot to plot sample data analysis proved the fact that the application of fertilizer is mismatched with soil fertility and crop requirement.
The seeds are almost of local varieties but there are is a good scope to increase the profit through hybrid Pumpkin cultivation if proper knowledge is applied and diffused among the farming community.
