Pusa Shrestha: The High-Yield Hybrid Sponge Gourd That Brings Early Harvests and Bigger Profits for Farmers

Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s economy, employing millions and providing essential food for the nation. Over the years, farming has moved beyond traditional practices to adopt modern crop varieties that deliver better yields, withstand diseases, and adapt to changing weather patterns.

One such innovation is in vegetable farming, where quick-growing, high-demand crops give farmers steady incomes. Among these vegetables, sponge gourd—locally known as Chikni Tori, is a favourite. It is valued for its mild taste, tender texture, and easy digestibility. Its popularity means farmers can sell it fresh in local markets or supply it in bulk to wholesale buyers.

Until recently, farmers in North India had limited access to high-performing F1 hybrid sponge gourd varieties, especially for the spring-summer season. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has changed that with Pusa Shrestha (DSGH-9), a game-changing hybrid designed to give early harvests, high yields, and superior fruit quality, even in high-temperature conditions.

This article will explore every detail about Pusa Shrestha, from its unique traits and growing requirements to market potential, profitability, and farmer success stories.

Why Sponge Gourd Farming Matters in India

Sponge gourd is an important part of India’s vegetable basket for several reasons:

• Year-round demand – Consumers prefer it for daily cooking, ensuring steady sales.

• Short growth cycle – Farmers can fit it between major crops, making it ideal for crop rotation.

• Nutritional benefits – Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre.

• Market flexibility – Sells well in both urban and rural markets.

• Low input requirement – Relatively less fertiliser and pesticide compared to some vegetables.

Given these advantages, a high-yield hybrid like Pusa Shrestha can significantly boost farmer incomes.

Development of Pusa Shrestha: Meeting Farmers Needs

The IARI scientists developed Pusa Shrestha (DSGH-9) to solve the challenges farmers faced:

• Lack of early-maturing hybrids for the spring-summer season in North India.

• Limited heat-tolerant varieties.

• Need for uniform, market-friendly fruits.

• Desire for disease resistance and higher yield.

Through careful breeding, researchers created a hybrid that matures in just 45–50 days, tolerates high temperatures, and delivers attractive, tender fruits suitable for both local and wholesale markets.

Key Features of Pusa Shrestha

Here’s a quick reference table for the standout features:

Appearance and Quality: What Makes It Stand Out

Pusa Shrestha fruits are uniform in size and shape, with a smooth surface and appealing green colour. The white, tender flesh is ideal for cooking, and the rounded ends make them look premium, an important factor for market pricing.

These features help farmers get better rates in markets compared to irregular or rough-textured sponge gourd varieties.

Early Harvest: A Farmer’s Advantage

One of Pusa Shrestha’s biggest strengths is its early maturity. In just 45–50 days after sowing, farmers can start harvesting, especially in the spring-summer season.

Why Early Harvest Matters:

• Beats market competition – Farmers can sell before peak supply drops prices.

• Faster cash flow – Early sales mean quicker returns on investment.

• Multiple harvests possible – More production in a year increases income.

Yield Potential: More Output from the Same Land

In official trials (2021–2023), Pusa Shrestha produced an average yield of 19.65 tonnes per hectare, outperforming many existing varieties.

For farmers, this means:

• Higher production per season.

• Increased earnings without extra land.

• Better utilisation of labour and inputs.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Pusa Shrestha grows well in both spring-summer and rainy seasons across North Indian plains.

Soil Preference

• Type – Well-drained loam or sandy loam.

• Preparation – Add 20–25 tonnes of well-decomposed organic manure per hectare before field preparation.

Sowing Time

Seed Rate

• 2.5–3 kg seeds per hectare.

• Treat seeds with 2 g Captan or Thiram per kg before sowing.

Spacing

• Row-to-row: 3.5–4 meters.

• Hill-to-hill: 60–75 cm.

Fertiliser and Nutrient Management

For optimal growth and yield, Pusa Shrestha requires:

Irrigation Schedule

• Summer – Frequent watering to maintain soil moisture.

• Rainy Season – Light irrigation only when needed, avoid waterlogging.

• Method – Irrigate through channels to prevent direct water contact with stems.

Crop Care and Maintenance

• Earthing up – Especially important in the rainy season to prevent root exposure.

• Hoeing & Weeding – 2–3 sessions to keep the field weed-free.

Pest and Disease Management

Pusa Shrestha is relatively hardy, but preventive care is important.

Common Pests

Common Diseases

Harvesting Guidelines

• Harvest when fruits are immature and tender for the best market quality.

• Regular picking encourages more fruit production.

• Use plastic crates with fillers for transport to prevent damage.

Post-Harvest Handling

• Avoid gunny bags as they can bruise fruits.

• Store in a cool, shaded area before selling.

Economic Benefits: Profit Analysis

Let’s estimate potential profits for a farmer with 1 hectare of Pusa Shrestha:

(Prices vary by region and season)

Market Potential

• High demand in both rural and urban markets.

• Suitable for retail, wholesale, and contract farming.

• Export possibility to nearby countries where the sponge gourd is popular.

Case Study: Farmer Success with Pusa Shrestha

Ramesh Singh, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, planted 1 hectare of Pusa Shrestha in February.

• Began harvesting in just 47 days.

• Sold the first batch at ₹25/kg before prices dropped.

• Achieved ₹3.5 lakh profit in a single season.

• Noted better fruit uniformity and lower pest attacks compared to older varieties.

Advantages at a Glance

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CMV360 Says

Pusa Shrestha is more than just a new variety, it’s a profitable solution for farmers looking for early harvests, high yields, and premium market prices. Its adaptability to high temperatures, resilience against diseases, and attractive fruit quality make it ideal for commercial farming.

For farmers in the North Indian plains, adopting Pusa Shrestha could mean higher productivity, better income, and a stronger market presence. In a time when agricultural success depends on efficiency and quality, Pusa Shrestha delivers both.