ICAR identifies spine gourd variety good for diabetic persons

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified 'Indira Kankoda I (RMF 37)' as a promising variety of Kankoda also known as spine gourd for commercial cultivation in Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Maharashtra.

ICAR said it will be the first ever variety of this crop. The consumption of green fruits and tubers stimulate the activities of pancreas and control the level of sugar. Its green fruits contain 12-14 per cent protein and always sells at higher price around Rs 20-60 per kg in the market.

Kankoda is a nutritious vegetable crop locally known as Meetha Karela, Khekhsa, Padora, Bhaat Karela, etc in different localities.

The crop is popularised among the farmers due to its vegetable nutritional value and its shelf life.

If Kankoda seeds once sown in the field, plants are formed tubers. Tubers sprouted at onset of monsoon every year. A good green yield can be harvested every year and up to 5-6 years from same tubers/plants.

Indira Kankoda I (RMF 37) is developed by mbikapur (Chhattisgarh)-based Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, RMD College of Agriculture and Research Station. The variety has been recently identified in the Group Meet of All India Coordinated Research Network on Underutilized Crops held at Punjab Agricultural University at Ludhiana.

Newly identified Kankoda or spine gourd variety Indira Kankoda I (RMF 37) is resistant to all major pests. Its green fruits are very attractive, dark green and ready ton harvest for vegetable purpose in 75-80 days from seeds in first year and 35-40 days from tubers, second year to onwards up to 5-6 years.

Its single fruit weight is about 14 gram and 3-4 picking cane be done for green fruits. The average green fruit yield of variety Indira Kankoda I is first year 8-10 q/ha, second year 10-15 q/ha and third year 15-20 q/ha, an ICAR release today said.

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