TB-ICN: 272/2022

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NATIONAL
HORTICULTURE BOARD

Technology for High Value Specialty

Melon Production:
A Remunerative Option for Protected
Cultivation

Dr. Harshawardhan Choudhary

Dr. R.K. Yadav
Dr. B.S. Tomar

Division of Vegetable Science

ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

Sponsored by :
National Horticulture Board, Gurugram
March, 2022

@2022 Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR- IARI, New

Delhi, India

Published by

Division of Vegetable Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural

Research Institute New Delhi-110012

TB-ICN: 272/2022

Citation: Choudhary H, Yadav, R.K and Tomar, B.S..(2022),

Technology for High Value Specialty Melon Production: A
remunerative Option for Protected Cultivation, Division of Vegetable
Science, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New
Delhi-10012

Sponsored by:National Horticulture Board, Gurugram

2
 Preface

Protected agricultural systems could benefit vegetable growers in

northern India if fresh harvested produce will be of high value and grown
in efficient production systems to ensure that high returns are gained
in relation to investment costs. New potential crops such as speciality
melon could open new markets for future and existing greenhouse
growers in India.Different types of high quality melons like Sun
melon, Galia melon or locally called Sarda melon are becoming more
preferred among consumers because of its attractive fruit appearance,
better fruit quality and longer shelf life in comparison to indigenous
muskmelon varieties. These fruits can remain on the shelf of retail
outlets for 3-4 weeks without any deterioration in its quality depending
on their storage temperature. These melon fruits fetch higher prices in
the market mainly due to its off season availability in the market along
with superior fruit quality and longer storage life.Most of the seeds of
these varieties are being imported and their production is also limited
to the areas of moderate climatic conditions.
National Horticulture Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s
Welfare, Government of India sponsored a project “Development
of varieties and technology for specialty melon (CucumismeloL.)
production under protected condition in north Indian plain and its
dissemination among farmers” at Division of Vegetable science, ICAR-
IARI, New Delhi for developing varieties and associated production
technology and its popularization among farmers.
Large number of germplasm of Cucumismelo from different
horticultural groups were collected from India and abroad and several
genotypes could be developed which were evaluated under different
environmental conditions during different seasons under protected
structures for specific traits of economic importance.Two new
varieties of speciality melon suitable for protected cultivation, Pusa
Sarda (54 tonnes/ha, green flesh, 13.6 0brix TSS)and Pusa Sunehari
(55tonnes/ha, orange flesh, 13.8 0brix TSS) could be developed which
are premium products in the market due to its superior fruit quality and
year round availability may be ensured which can fetch higher price in

3
the market.Suitable technology for production of specilaity melon in
protected structures were also developed so that it can be successfully
grown 3 times a year in north Indian plains.The major achievements of
the project have been summarized in the form of a Technical Bulletin
to help farmers, commercial growers, entrepreneurs and all other
stakeholders to gain knowledge and skill required for specialized form
of production of speciality melon in protected cultivation.
It is hoped that this Technical Bulletin entitled “Technology for
High Value Specialty Melon Production: A remunerative Option
for Protected Cultivation” will meet the demand and fulfill the
requirement for practical guide to all the persons engaged in protected
agriculture.

Dr. Harshawardhan Choudhary

Dr. R.K. Yadav
Dr. B. S. Tomar

4
 Executive Summary

Success of protected cultivation for vegetable farmers relies on the

production of greater fruit yields and better fruit quality and ensuring the
product availability in off season which fetch higher prices in the fresh
market so that higher returns are gained in relation to investment costs.
These higher yields are dependent on selection of suitable cultivar,
crop management system, and growing season. Vegetable production
in protected structures is an intensive agriculture production system
as it requires more labour and other inputs than in open-field systems.
The investment and production costs are substantially higher in the
protected cultivation than in the open field which necessitates more
efficiency in methodologies used to produce greenhouse crops than
those used in traditional field systems. Protected agricultural systems
could benefit vegetable growers in northern India if fresh harvested
produce will be of high value and grown in efficient production systems
to ensure that high returns are gained in relation to investment costs.
Farmers have very limited options of vegetable crops for protected
cultivation and diversification with new high value crops is the need
of hour to make it more sustainable and profitable. New potential crop
like speciality melon could open new markets for future and existing
growers in India and it has better export potential as well due to higher
shelf life and superior fruit quality.

Special type of melon grown under greenhouse conditions at

optimum plant populations and cultural practices can result in higher
quality fruit production than field-grown crops and their availability
may be ensured in winter months also when their production is not
possible in open field conditions. Greater fruit yields may occur
under greenhouse conditions than field systems because plants can
be arranged more uniformly, avoiding large gaps between plants and

5
rows while simultaneously optimizing light interception. Vertical
plant growth (trellising) can improve available light interception,
air movement, and microclimates of each plant, as well as promote
the efficient use of water and nutrients through precise irrigation and
recycling methods.

Two new varieties of speciality melon suitable for protected

cultivation, Pusa Sarda (54 tonnes/ha, green flesh, 13.6 0brix TSS)
and Pusa Sunehari (55 tonnes/ha, orange flesh, 13.8 0brix TSS) could
be developed which are premium products in the market due to its
superior fruit quality and year round availability may be ensured which
can fetch higher price in the market. Fruit quality is much superior in
comparision to indigenous muskmelon varieties in crispiness of flesh,
juiciness and sweetness. These fruits can be stored for 15-20 days
under room temperature due to its non -climacteric ripening behavior
whereas other muskmelon variety cannot be stored for more than 1
to 2 days. Suitable technology for production of specilaity melon in
protected structures were developed so that it can be successfully
grown 3 times a year in north Indian plains. Transplanting in 1st week
of February in net house was found to be the best treatment for higher
early yield and quality fruit production during main season. For off
season melon production, transplanting in 2nd week of September
in polyhouse was found superior to other treatment combination of
sowing on different dates in polyhouse or net house. Its fruit can be
harvested up to December with higher TSS in comparision to net
house. Vertical plant growth (trellising) can improve available light
interception, air movement, and microclimates of each plant, as well
as promote the efficient use of water and nutrients through precise
irrigation and recycling methods. With the use of black polythene
mulch these 2 varieties along with newly developed hybrids were
successfully grown in Leh, Ladakh since last 3years and fruit quality

6
were much superior with a very high level of TSS up to 18.0 0brix could
be recorded. Farmer’s profits can be increased by fetching premium
price of high quality melon especially during off season which will
ultimately improve livelihood options of farmers.

7
Introduction:
Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an important desert fruit with
enormous diversity which is a product of consumer preferences from
different countries, ecologies, and cultures with an estimated annual
yield of about 32 million tons worldwide (http://faostat3.fao.org). It
is highly relished because of its attractive fruit with unique aromatic
musky flavour, sweet taste and considered as healthy food (Munshi
and Choudhary, 2014) due to low calories, sodium, fat and rich in
minerals (K), Vit. C and Vit. A (orange fleshed) leading to increasing
consumption worldwide. One cup (236g) serving of muskmelon
fruit provides the recommended daily dietary allowance (RDA) for
Vit.A (160%) and Vit.C (130%) for normal healthy person. Melons
are good sources of vitamin A. The yellow and orange fleshed melons
contain more than 350 mg of β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.
Cantaloupes contain 45 mg and Honey Dew 32 mg of vitamin C per
100 g of edible portion. Bioaccessibility comparison on dry weight
basis showed nearly similar results for carrots (12 μg β-carotene/g)
and orange flesh melon (8 μg β-carotene/g) (Fleshman et al., 2011).
Cucumis melo is considered as one of the most diverse and highly
polymorphic species in Cucurbitaceae family which comprises a large
number of botanical varieties or horticultural groupings which may be
consequence of higher genetic diversity. There is tremendous variation
in muskmelon fruit traits such as size, shape, colour, taste, texture, and
nutritional composition. Based on fruit traits and its uses, classification
of Cucumis melo into 6 horticultural groups cantalupensis (Cantaloupe
and muskmelon), inodorus (winter melon), flexuosus (Long melon),
conomon (Pickling melon), dudaim (pomegranate melon) and
momordica (Sanpmelon) is widely accepted.

Commercial melon varieties, with sweet, non bitter, and low-acidic

fruits, carry three genes (suc/suc, so/so, bif/bif), which control high-

8
quality-fruit traits, in recessive form (Burger et al., 2003). Higher
level of resistance to diseases and pests are found in wild relatives
or landraces of other cultivated species. Therefore, any intra specific
crosses, using traditional breeding methods, between melon land
races and commercial melon cultivars will produce hybrid fruit with
low-quality characteristics, because of the effect of dominant genes
controlling low-sweetness, high acid, and high-bitterness levels in the
landraces melon fruits. Consequently, in order to obtain a commercial
melon product, it will take a long time to go through the back-crossing
route. In order to increase the rate and diversity of new traits in melon
it would be advantageous to introduce new genes needed to enhance
both melon productivity and melon fruit quality. Applications of
biotechnological interventions such as genomic assisted breeding and
plant transformation techniques to introduce new or foreign genes
into commercial varieties for improvement of specific traits especially
disease resistance and fruit quality traits have been discussed here
to gain an insight about different biotechnological tools for rapid
improvement of muskmelon.

Origin and evolution:

Melon was earlier considered to be originated in Africa, as the
wild species of Cucumis occur in Africa, it was likely that it originated
in that continent more specially in the eastern region of south Sahara
desert. Whitaker and Davis (1962) and Whitaker (1979) thought
that central Asia comprising some parts of Southern Russia, Iran,
Afghanistan and north-West-India may be regarded as a secondary
centre of muskmelon. Recent studies support Asian origin (Sebastian,
et al 2010) of Cucumis including cucumber and muskmelon both and
recent study established that Indian and African germplasm of melon
are genetically distinct and supported independent domestication
events (Gonzalo, et al 2019).

9
Horticultural Groupings of Melon:
This grouping is based on fruit characteristics and uses not botanical
varieties based on phylogeny (Munger and Robinson, 1991). These
cultivar-groups are
1. Cantalupensis group (cantaloupe and muskmelon): The main
characteristic of this group is that its fruits get separated/ de-
tached from peduncle at maturity. Fruits are generally medium
sized with netted, warty or scaly surface, flesh usually orange
but sometimes green also having flavour aromatic or musky.
Its sex form is generally andromonoecious.
2. Inodorus group (winter melon): Fruits of this group do not sep-
arate/detach from the peduncle when gets mature. Fruits are
generally larger, later in maturity and longer keeping than those
of the cantalupensis group. Rind surface smooth or wrinkled
but not netted. Flesh typically white or green and do not have a
musky odour. Its sex form is generally andromonoecious.
3. Flexuosus group (snake melon): Fruits are used immature un-
like other groups of melon which is similar to cucumber. Fruits
are very long, slender and often ribbed. Its sex form is monoe-
cious in nature.
4. Conomon group (pickling melon): Fruits are small with smooth,
tender skin, white flesh, early maturity and usually with little
sweetness or odour. They are not often pickled and are also eat-
en fresh or cooked. Its sex form is generally andromonoecious.
5. Dudain group(pomegranate melon): It includes members of
previous members of Chito group (mango melon). Small round
to oval fruits with white flesh and thin rind.
6. Momordica group (snap melon): Fruits are generally ovoid to
cylindrical in shape and its flesh is white or plae orange, low
in sugar content, mealy and insipid or rather sour tasting. Fruit
surface gets cracked or bursts as maturity approaches. Its sex
form is generally monoecious in nature.

10
 cantalupensis group cantalupensis group

inodorus group momordica group

Melon is highly polymorphic for different fruit traits, providing
seemingly endless possibilities for genetic improvement through
introgression and recombination. Fruit quality is determined mainly
by appearance of fruits (size, shape, rind colour, netting etc.), flesh
colour (white, green, orange), juiciness, flavour, acidity and taste and
a major component of taste is content of sugar, particularly sucrose.
Muskmelon shows enormous variation in fruit traits such as size,
shape, colour, taste, texture, and nutrient composition. Improvement
in yield and quality is normally achieved by selecting genotypes
with desirable character combinations existing in the nature or by
hybridization. Large genetic diversity for various fruit traits in melon
germplasm (Choudhary et al., 2003), characterization of germplasm
from different horticultural groups into different groups or clusters
based on fruits quality and its nutritional compositions (Bhimappa et
al., 2018,2019) have been reported. Some of the popular commercial
varieties of traditional indigenous muskmelon developed by different
Indian Institutions are Pusa Madhuras, Pusa Madhurima, Pusa
Kazri, Pusa Muskmelon Hybrid-2, (ICAR-IARI, New Delhi), Hara

11
Madhu, Punjab Sunheri, Punjab Hybrid, Ludhiana, Punjab Rasila,
(PAU, Ludhiana) Arka Rajhans, Arka Jeet, (ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru),
Kashi Madhu, (ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi). Traditional Indian muskmelon
varieties from C. melo var. reticulatus are juicy and sweet melon with
typical musky flavour and high aroma but shelf life is hardly 1or 2 days
due to its climacteric fruit ripening leading to peak ethylene emission
after fruit harvest. Indian farmers are forced to sell their produce at
lower price due to market glut and perishable nature of produce.

Development of Specialty Melon Cultivars

Specialty melon with different names like Sun melon, Galia
melon or locally called Sarda melon are more preferred by consumers
because of its attractive fruit appearance, better fruit quality and longer
shelf life in comparison to indigenous muskmelon varieties. Most of
the seeds of these specialty melon varieties were being imported and
their production has been limited to the areas of moderate climatic
conditions. Trait specific breeding programme was initiated at
ICAR- IARI, New Delhi for designing novel genotypes/varieties of
melon which can be grown in protected cultivation. Large number
of germplasm of Cucumis melo from different horticultural groups
(cantalupensis, inodorus) were collected from India and abroad and
several genotypes could be developed which were evaluated under
different environmental conditions during different seasons under
protected structures for specific traits of economic importance.

Few selected germplasm from different group of melon evaluated

under protected condition are given below.

12
 Few selected germplasm from different group of melon evaluated under protected condition
are given below

Evaluation of melon
Evaluation of melon from horticultural
from different different groups
horticultural groups under
under net house

net house

13
 Fruits of promising genotypes evaluated under protected
Fruits of promising genotypescultivation
evaluated under protected cultivation

14
 Fruits of promising genotypes evaluated under protected cultivation

Promising genotypes
Promising evaluatedevaluated
genotypes under protected
undercultivation
protected cultivation

Performance of DHM163 (Pusa Sarda) in net house

Performance of DHM163 (Pusa Sarda) in net house

Performance of DHM163 (Pusa Sarda) in net house

Performance of DHM163 (Pusa Sarda) in net house
15
 The shelf life of melon fruits from C. melo var. inodorus group is
very high due to absence of abscission layer formation at the time of
maturity. Melon fruits from this group behave like a non- climacteric
fruits and emission of ethylene from these fruits after harvest is very
low which enhances its shelf life. These fruits can remain on the shelf
of retail outlets for 3-4 weeks without any deterioration in its quality
depending on their storage temperature. Sarda melon fruits fetch higher
prices in the market due to its superior fruit quality, longer shelf life
and off season availability in the market. This fruit is becoming very
popular among consumers especially in the big cities where it is being
used in all parties as salad/ dessert. Farmers from peri- urban area are
very much interested to grow this crop for obtaining higher profits. The
Sarda melon produced in winter months fetches very high prices as
these are being transported from Maharashtra or other southern states
to Delhi markets in these months and farmers can earn very high profit
by growing these specialty crops in off season. Consumer preference
for sarda melons is very high due to its higher fruit quality in terms of
sweetness (TSS), flesh thickness, crunchiness of flesh and its shelf life.
Specialty melons may emerge as one of the potential crop for export
market if it can be produced in larger area suitable for its cultivation
like Leh and Laddakh region of cold desert which is producing melon
with extraordinary quality with higher TSS ranging from 14 to 17 0brix
TSS.

Pusa Sarda:
First variety of speciality melon (Cucumis melo var. inodorus)
from Public sector with high yield, better fruit quality and very high
shelf life which can be grown under protected cultivation under north
Indian plains twice a year. It was released by Delhi SVRC in 2017
and notified by CVRC in 2019. First fruit get ready for harvest in
about 85-90 days after sowing. Its fruit is roundish to elongated globe

16
shape with average weight of about 1.1 kg. The rind colour of fruit is
golden yellow, smooth and absence of sutures and netting. Fruit flesh
is thick, greenish white, and very crispy with no musky flavour and
high sweetness, 13.6 0brix TSS. Its shelf life is very high as fruits
are non-slipable at maturity. Its average yield potential is 5.44 tonnes
/ 1000 square meter under net house.
Table 1: Mean performance of specialty melon genotypes under
net house during March-June at Vegetable Research Farm, IARI,
New Delhi from 2016-2018.
Genotypes No of fruits/plant Average Fruit weight(g)

2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average

DHM
163 (Pusa
Sarda) 2.9 2.8 2.9 2.87 1050 1150 1125 1108.33

DHM 145 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.63 1125 1125 1150 1133.33

DHM 159 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.53 1150 1200 1100 1150.00

DHM 160 2.2 1.8 2.1 2.03 950 900 925 925.00

DHM 161 2.1 1.7 2.2 2.00 950 875 1050 958.33

DHM 162 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.33 1100 1000 875 991.67

DHM 165 1.9 2.3 2.5 2.23 925 1000 950 958.33

CD (5%) 0.24 0.19 0.17 132.9 108.26 98.56

Cv (%) 5.43 7.32 8.12 10.50 9.83 11.25

17
 Table 2: Mean performance of Sarda melon genotypes under net house during March-June at Vegetable
Research Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2016-2018.
2 0
Genotypes Fruit yield(Kg/plant) Yield (tonnes/1000 m ) TSS ( Brix)

2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average

DHM 163
(Pusa Sar-
da) 2.59 2.90 2.68 2.72 5.18 5.80 5.35 5.44 13.7 12.9 14.1 13.6

DHM 145 2.49 2.63 2.55 2.55 4.97 5.27 5.09 5.11 13.5 14.1 12.9 13.5

DHM 159 2.64 2.70 2.16 2.50 5.28 5.40 4.33 5.00 13.2 13.8 13.2 13.4

18
DHM 160 1.78 1.46 1.59 1.61 3.55 2.92 3.19 3.22 12.6 12.9 11.9 12.5

DHM 161 1.70 1.34 1.89 1.64 3.39 2.68 3.79 3.29 11.8 10.9 11.9 11.5

DHM 162 2.15 2.07 1.72 1.98 4.30 4.14 3.44 3.96 13.7 13.5 13.2 13.5

DHM 165 1.49 2.07 1.95 1.84 2.99 4.14 3.90 3.67 11.8 12.0 11.6 11.8

CD 0.41 0.52 0.67 0.79 0.96 1.12 0.87 0.79 0.96

CV 10.30 9.56 8.65 11.26 9.35 8.74 4.59 6.83 7.52

 Table 3: Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under polyhouse during Sept-Dec at IARI, New
Delhi from 2016-2018.
Genotypes No of fruits/plant Average fruit weight(g)

2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average

DHM 163
(Pusa Sarda) 3.40 3.20 3.30 3.30 1000 950 975 975.0

DHM 145 2.80 3.10 2.90 2.93 850 940 875 888.3

DHM 159 2.90 2.90 3.10 2.97 875 950 900 908.3

19
DHM 160 2.50 2.20 2.70 2.47 860 900 925 895.0

DHM 161 2.90 2.50 2.40 2.60 900 925 975 933.3

DHM 162 2.90 3.20 2.70 2.93 1000 975 950 975.0

DHM 165 2.20 2.60 2.70 2.50 850 875 825 850.0

CD 0.27 0.21 0.19 62.57 54.32 49.32

CV 5.43 7.32 8.12 10.50 9.83 11.25

 Table 4 : Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under polyhouse during Sept-Dec at IARI, New
Delhi from 2016-2018.

2 0
Genotypes Fruit yield(Kg/plant) Yield (tonnes/1000 m ) TSS ( Brix)

2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average 2016 2017 2018 Average

DHM
163 (Pusa
Sarda 3.06 2.64 2.64 2.78 7.65 6.61 6.60 6.95 13.2 13.5 13.2 13.3

DHM 145 2.14 2.54 2.08 2.25 5.36 6.34 5.20 5.63 13.1 12.8 12.6 12.8

20
DHM 159 2.28 2.40 2.29 2.32 5.71 5.99 5.72 5.81 12.9 13.5 12.9 13.1

DHM 160 1.94 1.72 2.05 1.90 4.84 4.31 5.12 4.75 11.4 11.2 11.9 11.5

DHM 161 2.35 2.01 1.92 2.09 5.87 5.03 4.80 5.23 11.0 10.9 10.9 10.9

DHM 162 2.61 2.71 2.10 2.48 6.53 6.79 5.26 6.19 12.9 12.6 12.5 12.7

DHM 165 1.68 1.98 1.83 1.83 4.21 4.95 4.57 4.57 10.9 11.2 11.1 11.1

CD 0.46 0.42 0.39 0.93 0.73 0.82 0.46 0.39 0.52

CV 7.65 6.59 6.59 9.56 7.39 9.24 3.56 5.79 6.32

Salient Features of Pusa Sarda:
• First variety of Sarda melon with high yield, better fruit quality
and very high shelf life.

• Fruit is roundish to elongated globe shape with average weight

of about 1100 g.

• Ready for harvest in about 85-90 days.

• Its yield potential is 5.44 t/1000m2 under net house.

• Rind colour is golden yellow and absence of sutures.

• Flesh is thick, greenish white, and very crispy with no musky

flavor and high sweetness (TSS 13.6).

• Non slipable at maturity, shelf life is very high and can be

stored for 15-20 days.

• Its leaves are strongly lobed and shows andromonoecious sex

expression.

• Fruit shape at peduncle end and blossom end is truncate.

Figure 1: Fruits of Pusa Sarda in high tunnel

21
Figure 2: Full grown plant of Pusa Sarda

22
Pusa Sunehari:

First variety of speciality melon with orange flesh, Pusa Sunehari

(DHM-39) was notified for NCT Delhi in 2022. It is suitable for
protected cultivation with av. yield of 5.5 tonnes / 1000 square meter.
Its fruit is oblong shaped with average weight of about 1500 g. Fruits
get ready for harvest in about 84 days after sowing. The fruit rind is
golden yellow and absence of sutures. Fruit flesh is thick, light orange,
very crispy with no typical musky flavour and high sweetness with
13.8 0brix TSS. It is suitable for off season cultivation in polyhouse or
net house from September to November also.

Figure 3 : Fruits of Pusa Sunehari

23
Salient Features:
 This is a variety of speciality melon with high yield, better fruit
quality with orange coloured flesh and very high shelf life.

 Av. Yield of 5.5 tonnes / 1000 square meter under net house

 Its fruit is oblong shape with average weight of about 1500 g.

 Fruits get ready for harvest in about 84 days after sowing.

 The fruit rind is golden yellow and absence of sutures.

 Fruit flesh is thick, light orange and very crispy with no musky
flavor and high sweetness (TSS 13.8).

 Fruit surface is smooth with absence of netting.

 Its shelf life is very high as fruits are non-slipable at maturity.

24
 Table 5: Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under net house during Feb-May at Vegetable
Research Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2018-2020.

Genotypes No of fruits/plant Average Fruit weight(g)

2018 2019 2020 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average
DHM
39 Pusa 3.2 3.1 3.3 3.2 1550 1500 1500 1516.67
Sunehari)
DHM
163 (Pusa 3.45 3.6 3.7 3.58 1000 1000 1050 1016.67

25
Sarda)
DHM 162 2.8 2.9 2.85 2.85 1150 1100 1100 1116.67
DHM 160 2.3 2 1.9 2.06 1000 900 950 950.00
DHM 161 1.9 2.1 2.18 2.06 950 900 900 916.66
DHM 159 2.2 1.9 2 2.03 950 900 875 908.33
CD 0.19 0.14 0.16 132.9 108.26 98.56
CV 7.41 8.79 9.32 7.51 8.26 9.52
 Table 6 : Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under net house during Feb-May at Vegetable
Research Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2018-2020.

2
Genotypes Fruit yield(Kg/plant) Yield (tonnes/1000 m )
2018 2019 2020 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average

DHM 39 Pusa
3.01 3 2.9 2.97 5.5 5.9 5.6 5.67
Sunehari)
DHM 163 (Pusa
2.92 2.9 2.82 2.88 5.4 5.4 5.6 5.47

26
Sarda)

2.76 2.7 2.86 2.77 5.28 5.4 5.5 5.39

DHM 162

2.18 2.54 2.59 2.44 4.9 4.6 4.8 4.77

DHM 159

CD 0.21 0.22 0.27 0.12 0.21 0.16

CV 8.30 9.22 7.94 7.56 10.12 8.36

 Table 7 :Quality traits of specilaity melon genotypes under net house during Feb- May at Vegetable Research
Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2018-2020

Genotypes TSS Acidity(%)

2018 2019 20120 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average

DHM 39 Pusa
13.9 13.8 13.8 13.83
Sunehari) 0.09 0.08 0.09 0.087

DHM 163 13.5 13.6 13.5 13.53 0.12 0.11 0.12 0.117

27
DHM 162 13.2 13.6 13.4 13.4 0.09 0.08 0.08 0.083

DHM 159 12.6 12.9 11.9 12.47 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.103

CD 0.27 0.19 0.16 0.02 0.03 0.02

CV 5.19 7.14 6.23 8.12 6.25 10.22

 Table 8 : Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under net house during August-November at
Vegetable Research Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2018-2020.

Genotypes No of fruits/plant Average Fruit weight(g)

2018 2019 2020 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average

DHM
39 (Pusa
Sunehari) 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.15 1150 1100 1150 1125

DHM 163 2.6 2.6 2.7 2.63 1000 950 1050 1000

28
DHM 159 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.53 1150 1200 1100 1150.00

DHM 160 2.2 1.8 2.1 2.03 950 900 925 925.00

DHM 161 2.1 1.7 2.2 2.00 950 875 1050 958.33

DHM 162 2.3 2.3 2.4 2.33 1100 1000 875 991.67

CD 0.24 0.19 0.17 62.9 108.26 98.56

CV 8.12 9.52 7.49 11.52 10.03 9.75

 Table 9 : Mean performance of Specialty melon genotypes under net house during August-November at
Vegetable Research Farm, IARI, New Delhi from 2018-2020.
2 0
Genotypes Fruit yield(Kg/plant) Yield (tonnes/1000 m ) TSS ( Brix)

2018 2019 2020 Aver- 2018 2019 2020 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average
age

DHM 39
Pusa Sune- 3.1 3 2.9 3.00 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.60 13.2 13.8 13.8 13.6
hari)

DHM 163

29
2.9 2.7 2.7 2.77 4.9 4.8 5.1 4.93 13 12.9 13.1 13
(Pusa Sarda)

DHM 159 2.1 2.2 2.1 2.13 4.3 3.4 3.3 3.67 13.2 13.6 13.4 13.4

DHM 160 1.6 1.5 1.3 1.47 3.55 2.92 3.19 3.22 12.6 12.9 11.9 12.47

CD 0.31 0.42 0.51 0.42 0.51 0.56 0.57 0.69 0.66

CV 9.47 7.28 8.83 9.37 7.98 12.20 6.36 4.82 5.49

 Table 10 : Mean performance of speciality melon genotypes under polyhouse during Sept-Dec at IARI, New
Delhi from 2018-2020

Genotypes No of fruits/plant Average fruit weight(g)

2018 2019 2020 Average 2018 2019 2020 Average
DHM 39 Pusa
3.5 3.6 3.4 3.50 1550 1600 1500 1550.00
Sunehari)
DHM 163
3.2 3.4 3.2 3.27 1000 950 1000 983.33
(Pusa Sarda)
2.8 2.9 2.8 2.83 900 950 900 916.67

30
DHM 159

DHM 160 2.5 2.6 2.5 2.53 950 900 925 925.00

DHM 161 2.9 2.5 2.7 2.70 900 950 975 941.67

DHM 162 2.9 3.2 3 3.03 1000 975 1000 991.67

DHM 165 2.2 2.6 2.4 2.40 850 875 850 858.33

CD 0.17 0.25 0.18 42.00 58.42 36.15

CV 8.36 7.59 7.85 7.50 8.94 10.32

 Table 11 : Mean performance of speciality melon genotypes under polyhouse during Sept-Dec at IARI, New
Delhi from 2018-2020
2 0
Geno- Fruit yield(Kg/plant) Yield (tonnes/1000 m ) TSS ( Brix)
types
2018 2019 2020 Aver- 2018 2019 2020 Aver- 2018 2019 2020 Aver-
age age age

DHM
39
(Pusa 3.06 3.1 2.95 3.03 7.65 7.5 7.1 7.41 13.8 13.9 13.8 13.83
Sune-
hari)

31
DHM
2.64 2.78 2.8 2.74 7.1 6.8 6.69 6.86 13.1 13 13.2 13.1
163
DHM
2.4 2.6 2.72 2.57 5.81 5.9 6 5.90 12.9 13 12.9 12.93
159
DHM
2.3 2.45 2.1 2.28 5.2 4.8 5.32 5.10 12 11.8 12.1 11.96
160

CD 0.36 0.29 0.19 0.93 0.73 0.82 0.46 0.39 0.52

CV 10.21 8.95 7.29 8.14 9.12 10.02 4.56 6.29 5.78

 Figure 4 : Full plant view of Pusa Sunehari

Production technology of specialty melon under protect-

ed condition:
The shelf life of melon fruits from C. melo var. inodorus group
is generally very high due to absence of abscission layer formation
at the time of maturity. Melon fruits from this group behave like a
non- climacteric fruits and emission of ethylene from these fruits after
harvest is very low which enhances its shelf life. Melon from this
group is locally called as Sarda melon in India but its cultivation is
restricted in hilly regions (H.P and J&K) because it requires moderate
temperature during its growing period. Sarda melon fruits fetch higher
prices in the market due to its superior fruit quality, longer shelf life
and off season availability in the market. This fruit is becoming very
popular among consumers especially in the big cities where it is being
used in all parties as salad/ dessert. These fruits can remain on the shelf
of retail outlets for 3-4 weeks without any deterioration in its quality
depending on their storage temperature. Specialty melons may emerge
as one of the potential crop for export market if it can be produced
in larger area which may boost the concept of Make in India also by

32
providing large employment opportunities. Farmers from peri- urban
area are very much interested to grow this crop for obtaining higher
profits. But, north Indian plain region faces low and high temperature
extremes and cultivation of specialty melons has not been possible
in this region. The major bottleneck for its production is prevailing
environmental condition of north Indian plain and lack of suitable
varieties/genotypes. Cultivation of Sarda melon has started on limited
scale in hilly areas of northern regions (H.P and J&K) because it
requires moderate temperature during its growing period. Modification
of environment by net house or poly house is required for sarda melon
cultivation in north Indian plains. First crop of specialty melon can be
successfully grown under net house during Feb-March to May-June.
Second crop can be transplanted in August- September and fruits can
be harvested in November- December which is also an off season.
Another crop can be taken from Jan to April in Polyhouse/net house.

Special type of melon popularly known as Sarda melon grown

under greenhouse conditions at optimum plant populations and cultural
practices can result in higher quality fruit production than field-grown
crops and their availability may be ensured in winter months also
when their production is not possible in open field conditions. The
Sarda melon produced in winter months fetch very high prices as these
are being transported from Maharashtra or other southern states to
Delhi markets in these months and farmers can earn very high profit
by growing these specialty crops in off season. Consumer preference
for sarda melons is very high due to its higher fruit quality in terms of
sweetness (TSS), flesh thickness, crunchiness of flesh and its shelf life.
Greater fruit yields may occur under greenhouse conditions than field
systems because plants can be arranged more uniformly, avoiding large
gaps between plants and rows while simultaneously optimizing light
interception. Vertical plant growth (trellising) can improve available

33
light interception, air movement, and microclimates of each plant, as
well as promote the efficient use of water and nutrients through precise
irrigation and recycling methods. Because of the high investment
costs, greenhouse production systems require selecting suitable
cultivars and adequate plant populations that make efficient use of all
available space. Although spacing combinations between plants and
between rows could result in high marketable yields per unit area,
minimum space between rows is limited by the width of ladders and
carts required for cultural practices such as pruning, training, pesticide
application, and harvesting. High tunnel made up of polythene may
be used by small farmers for growing melons as off-season crops and
even high tunnel made of net house can be used in summer months to
protect speciality melon commonly known as Sarda melon which is
highly susceptible to viral diseases and its production in open field is
very risky. Naturally ventilated polyhouse whose walls are made up of
insect proof net and roof is made up of polythene can be used to grow
sarda melons in rainy season also and fruits may become available
during Oct-Nov by planting in July or August.

Selection of growing environment:

The dry region is preferred for growing of muskmelon and optimum
temperature for the growth is 28-30oC. For high sugar content,
high temperature in day and cool night, low humidity and plenty of
sunshine is essential. The difference between maximum and minimum
temperature of the growing environment is one of the critical factor
in determining the sweetness and quality of melon. It can be grown in
open field in the areas where moderate climate is existing and summer
is not extreme and the highest temperature should not go beyond 40
o
C. The farmers from hilly areas of H.P, J&K, Leh and Ladakh and
Uttarakhand can grow this crop during summer season in open field
with the use of polythene mulch. It can be successfully grown in north

34
Indian plain under protected condition in net house or poly house in
summer as well as off season crop during autumn season. Summer
season (February- March to April-June) crop should be grown in net
house and another off season crop can be grown during (Aug-Sep to
Nov.-Dec) in poly house/ net house. High tunnel made up of polythene
may be used by small farmers for growing melons as off-season crops
and even high tunnel made of net house can be used in summer months
to protect speciality melon commonly which is highly susceptible to
viral diseases and its production in open field is very risky. Naturally
ventilated polyhouse whose walls are made up of insect proof net
and roof is made up of polythene can be used to grow sarda melons in
rainy season also and fruits may become available during Oct-Nov by
planting in August.
Table 12: Performance of Pusa Sarda in Net House under different
Date of Sowing
st
Date of Days to 1 Yield Av. fruit o
TSS
transplanting harvest (t/1000m2) weight (g) ( Brix)
th
18 Jan 99 4.9 1050 12.9

3rd Feb 92 5.8 1100 13.8

rd
3 March 85 5.4 1100 13.6
th
20 August 85 5.2 1050 13.8
th
10 Sep 89 4.5 950 13.6

CD (5%) 3.42 0.45 22.72 0.27

35
Table 13 : Performance of Pusa Sarda in Poly House under
different Date of Sowing
st
Date of Days to 1 Yield (t/1000m2) Av. fruit o
TSS
transplanting harvest weight (g) ( Brix)
rd
3 Jan 91 6.7 1050 13.6
th
18 Jan 88 7.1 1100 13.9
rd
3 Feb 86 6.6 1100 13.8
th
10 Sep 85 6.3 1050 13.8
th
4 Oct 90 5.4 950 13.4

CD (5%) 2.72 0.39 18.55 0.17

Suitable technology for production of specilaity melon in protected

structures were developed so that it can be successfully grown 3 times
a year in north Indian plains. Transplanting in 1st week of February
in net house was found to be the best treatment for higher early yield
and quality fruit production during main season. For off season melon
production, transplanting in 2nd week of September in polyhouse was
found superior to other treatment combination of sowing on different
dates in polyhouse or net house. Its fruit can be harvested up to
December with higher TSS in comparision to net house.

Bed preparation and planting

The soil within the greenhouse or high tunnel should be well
tilled and raised beds should be formed before transplanting. Raised
beds (10-15cm height x 75-90 cm width) increase the average soil
temperature, improve root zone aeration and drainage while providing
a larger volume of soil for root growth. For early melon production,
plastic mulch is more effective in warming the soil than organic
mulches. Plastic mulch and drip irrigation should be applied to the

36
raised beds at least 2 weeks before transplanting. There are several
plastic mulches to choose from. Black plastic is the preferred plastic
mulch for Cucurbits since it warms the root zone and both reduces
weed germination and soil moisture evaporation. The soil temperature
during the daytime is warmer at the 5cm depth under black plastic
relative to non-mulched, bare soil. Clear plastic mulch warms the
soil more than black plastic but does not suppress weed germination.
Infrared (IRT) mulch is intermediate between clear and black with the
added benefit of reducing most weed emergence. Reflective or metallic
mulches repel insects such as aphids but generally keep the soil cooler.
White or white on black mulch is used to cool the soil and can be
used for summer Cucurbit plantings within the high tunnel. All plastic
mulch should fit tightly over the raised bed to maximize heat transfer
from the mulch to the soil. Transplanted seedlings can be lost from
heat necrosis that occurs when heat funnels out through the planting
hole when the plastic mulch is not tightly fitted over the raised bed. In
a high tunnel, melons are spaced 50-75cm between plants within each
row, and the rows are spaced at about 1m apart in centre. This is nearly
double the plant density of field-grown melons. The ability to grow
the plants vertically by trellising and the dry environment make higher
plant populations feasible within a high tunnel. Thus a commercial
high tunnel (2500 ft2) can accommodate 200-300 muskmelon plants.
Each transplant is planted approximately 1-2 inches deeper than the
surface of the transplant root ball. The planting hole on the plastic
mulch can be perforated by hand or using a knife. Immediately after
transplanting, a starter fertilizer solution containing nitrogen (200-400
ppm) and phosphorus should be applied to each transplant to reduce
transplant shock. Planting date varies with geographical region. A
reliable index for determining when to plant within a high tunnel is soil
temperature. Melons can be transplanted when the soil temperature at
the 2” depth is more than 15 0C inside the plastic tunnel.

37
Sowing and transplantation:
For summer crop, seeds should be directly sown during 2nd fortnight
of February to 1st week of March in poly house/ net house when the
climate started warming after winter and conducive for the growth of
muskmelon. Nursery can be made during December-January in poly
house or poly tunnel and it can be transplanted in last week of January
or 1st week of February in poly house or net house for early harvest of
melon during 1st or 2nd week of April so that it can fetch higher price in
the market. The seeds are treated with Trichoderma or Bavistin @ 2 g/
kg of seed. Generally, 1-2 seeds are sown per pit and after germination
when seedlings are established thinning is done to keep one plant per
pit. For early production of crop and to save time, the seeds are sown
in polythene bags filled with mixture of soil (2 part), FYM (1 part)
and sand (1 part) during third week of December or early January and
4 week old seedlings are transplanted in the February. Now a day’s
Protrays or plug trays are recommended to raise seedling. Generally,
medium cells (5-6 cm in diameter) are required for optimum growth of
muskmelon seedlings. These trays helps in proper germination, provide
independent area for each seed to germinate, reduce the mortality rate,
maintain uniform and healthy growth of seedlings, easy in handling,
storing and transportation. Mostly artificial soil-less media is used for
raising healthy and vigorous seedlings of muskmelon in plastic pro-
trays. Mainly three ingredients viz., coco peat, vermiculite and perlite
are used as root medium for raising the nursery. These ingredients are
mixed in 3:1:1 ratio before filling in the required plug trays plastic
pro-trays. A spacing of 90 x 30 cm on raised beds should be followed.
Direct sowing can be practiced for off season crop grown during
August to September.

38
Soil management and fertilization
The optimal pH range for muskmelon and watermelons is 6.0-6.8. If
the soil pH is below optimum, liming may be performed. If necessary,
lime should be applied as far in advance of transplanting as possible.
Soil should be thoroughly ploughed, well prepared for preparation of
raised beds. The raised bed should be 1m wide and its height should
be10-15 cm from the ground level. The distance between two beds
should be kept at 75 cm. water should be provided through drip but if
drip is not there then water should be given in channel between two
beds and water level should not go beyond the half of the height of
raised bed. Basal dose of 200-250 kg FYM; 70-80 gm N, 80-90 gm
P2O5 and 70-80 gm K2O per hundred 100m2 chemical fertilizers should
be applied as basal dose at the time of bed preparation under net house/
polyhouse.

Based on a soil test, all the required phosphorus and one half of
the required potassium should be applied prior to transplanting and
mulch application. Adequate potassium fertilization is crucial for
melon crops since potassium is correlated with melon sweetness.
If the soil within the high tunnel is high in organic matter (>3%),
a lower rate of preplant nitrogen can be applied. Thoroughly
incorporate the fertilizer in the top 4-6 inches of the soil. Applying
water-soluble fertilizer through the irrigation system is referred to as
fertigation. If no fertilizer is applied preplant, fertigation should begin
immediately after transplanting within the high tunnel. However, if
preplant fertilizer is applied, fertigation can be delayed for two weeks.
Fertilizer can be applied through the drip irrigation system over the
remaining 10-12 week growing season. A fertigation schedule with
soluble fertilizers should be followed when seedlings are 2 to 3 weeks
old. Supplementary doses of liquid fertilizers should be sprayed after
transplanting in 3 split doses @ 10-15 g/liter at 10 days interval till

39
flower initiation. Hand weeding and hoeing should be done at regular
interval of time to keep the cultivated area clean.

Irrigation
High tunnels exclude natural rainfall, the water requirements of
the crop must be supplied through drip irrigation. Drip irrigation is
a method in which water is applied slowly to the root zone of the
growing crop by using small, collapsible tubes called drip tape. Drip
irrigation has many advantages including less water usage and the
ability to supply nutrients to the crop over the course of the growing
season. Drip irrigation also helps the crop to grow evenly, reduces weed
emergence and keeps the foliage dry which prevents many diseases.
One drip line (8-10 mil thickness; 4-12” dripper spacing) is placed 3”
from the centre of the bed. The drip line should be buried 1” to prevent
damage by mice and expansion and contraction of the tube during the
growing season. Lateral movement of water from the drip tube may be
approximately 10-12 inches on either side of the tube in heavy soils and
8-10 inches in light soils. Irrigation can be scheduled based on using a
soil moisture sensor (tensiometer or moisture blocks) or systematically
applying an even quantity of water each week. Tensiometers work
effectively in sandy soils, while gypsum blocks are effective in heavy
soils. Generally one inch of water (per acre equivalent) is applied to
melons and watermelons each week. During periods of hot weather
and a heavy fruit load, 1.5 inches/week can be applied. For example,
if a grower is using a medium flow drip tape with a flow rate of 0.40
gpm/100 ft, and the mulched row width is 30 inches, the crop should
be irrigated 6.5 hours per week to deliver one inch of water to the crop.
Since plastic mulch reduces soil moisture evaporation, it is important
not to over water the crops. Excessive irrigation during the latter stages
of fruit ripening can lower sugar levels and cause fruit cracking.

40
Pollination management
Melons have separate male and female flowers on each vine. Male
flowers appear at least a week earlier than female flowers. Female
flowers are easy to distinguish from male flowers by the presence of
a swollen base below the flower petals. Flowers open after sunrise
and remain open for only one day. Since melon pollen is heavy and
sticky, it does not move with wind currents. Thus, physical movement
of pollen is necessary before a fruit is set on the vine. Pollination of the
first flush of female flowers is crucial since these flowers can develop
into large, early fruit. Nectar collecting bees (honeybees and bumble
bees) are common vectors of Cucurbit pollen. Research has revealed
that each female melon flower must receive at least eight bee visits to
set a marketable fruit. It has been found that having sufficient bees for
pollination will increase average fruit weight of muskmelons within
a high tunnel. Bumble Bees (Bombus impatiens) can be purchased
and placed within each high tunnel 2-3 weeks after transplanting. If
bumble bees are used within the high tunnel, insect screen should
be used to retain the bees within the high tunnel. Honeybee colonies
can be placed close to the high tunnel to encourage entry. Planting
high nectar yielding plants close to the high tunnel such as Brassica
sp. (mustards) may increase native bee density within a high tunnel.
Melons which are poorly pollinated are smaller while improperly
pollinated often lopsided or bottlenecked. If feasible, hand pollination
of Cucurbits may be performed. In mid-morning select a recently
opened male flower. Carefully remove the petals surrounding the male
stamens (pollen producing organs). Identify a recently opened female
flower, and gently brush the stamens against the flower 10-15 times.
Research indicates that hand pollination is most effective between 6-9
AM. Hand pollination requires patience and may only be effective
50% of the time.

41
Pruning
Many melon cultivars produce extensive vine growth. Pruning
the vines may be necessary if the melons are trellised. Pruning is
performed to achieve a balance between vine growth and fruit set.
Pruning increases average fruit weight while reducing the number of
unmarketable (cull) fruit. Each melon vine produces a primary stem or
leader with many secondary branches or laterals. A suitable pruning
treatment for high tunnel muskmelons is retaining the primary stem
and one of the first laterals while pruning all additional laterals up to
and including the eighth leaf node. All secondary branches after the
eighth node can be left unpruned on the plant. This method of pruning
permits the vine to be easily trellised either by a nylon net trellis or
using strings and vine clips as in greenhouse tomato production. Prune
off any misshapen fruit.

Trellising
Training melons to grow vertically is referred to as trellising and
is one of the advantages of growing melons within a high tunnel.
Most melon cultivars are amenable to trellising. Trellising improves
light interception by the crop canopy, makes harvest easier, improves
pollination and reduces damage to the vines during harvest. Trellising
is necessary if the high tunnel is used to grow crops in addition to
melons, since melon vines will overrun other plants if not trained.
Various types of trellises can be used for high tunnel melons. Using a
trellis with a plastic (nylon) net (6” x 7” openings) that is approximately
72 inches high is a suitable trellis for pruned and unpruned vines. The
trellis must be supported by a tensile wire, which runs parallel to the
row and slightly higher than the trellis. This wire can be secured to the
frame of the high tunnel or attached to posts at each end of the row.
The mesh trellis is in turn secured to the wire. The vines gradually

42
grow up the trellis, using their tendrils to cling to the mesh trellis, but
will require some training to keep the growth vertical. Another form
of trellis is an option when each vine has been pruned to one or two
stems. Using a nylon string tied to a tensile wire 6-7 ft off the ground,
the string is secured to the ground using anchor pins. The primary stem
of the muskmelon plant is secured to the twine using plastic vine clips.
As the vine continues to grow, it is clipped to the vertical twine. If the
vine grows taller than the height of the trellis, it can be trained from
the top down on another twine. Woven wire fence or livestock panels
can also be used as a trellis for Cucurbits. Fruit requires support as it
grows on the trellis. Some muskmelon cultivars have fruit with rigid
peduncles (fruit stems) and may not need support. Small, mesh bags
(onion sacks), cheesecloth or nylons can be used as slings to support
the fruit. The bags can be tied to the trellis or the support wire. The
bag should allow light penetration and not hold moisture. When the
fruit is ripe, the bag can be cut from the trellis. The plants are trained
vertically with the help of nylon net and 2-3 lateral branches are kept
after interval of 2 to 3 nodes as the female flowers will appear only on
lateral branches.

43
Figure 5: Production of speciality melon without training in net
house

Figure 6: Training systemin poly housewith iron rod structure

duringoff Season cultivation (October-January)

44
 Figure 7: Training systemwith crop supporting net during
vegetative growth in net house

Figure 8: Training systemof melon during fruiting stage with

crop supporting net in net house

45
Figure 9: Training and pruning system with crop supporting net
in V shape structure in high

Figure 10: Training system with single supporting wire system in

poly house

46
Harvest management
Melons have several yield flushes requiring harvest 3-4 times
per week during peak production and the bulk of the fruit can be
harvested in relatively few harvests. Melon fruit are ready to harvest
45-60 days after flowering. Muskmelons yield more fruit per plant
than watermelons within a high tunnel. Melons can have 3-4 fruits
per plant. Melon harvest within a high tunnel is 2-3 weeks earlier than
field-grown melons. Muskmelons develop a distinct abscission zone
between the fruit stem and the fruit. Speciality melon does not develop
an abscission layer and fruits will not be separated from the vines
even after attaining maturity. As muskmelon fruit ripens, the colour
changes from green to yellow, and the fruit produces a very aromatic
odour on the blossom end. On some cultivars, the netting becomes
more pronounced at maturity. Sarda melons should be harvested when
the fruit changes colour to a bright yellow to prevent them from over
ripening. Muskmelons will ripen after harvest, but the sugar content
does not increase. Specialty melons can be sold at a smaller weight.
The stem can be trimmed on the day of sale giving the melons a fresh
harvest appearance. Harvest early in the morning when field heat is
low and the fruits are most turgid.

47
Training and demonstration of speciality melon produc-
tion in protected cultivation
Field demonstration of Pusa Sarda and Pusa Sunehari along with
its production technology for protected cultivation in different season
have been demonstrated across the country (U.P, Uttarakhand, Haryana,
Rajasthan, H.P, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladaakh) at different Public sector
institutions, KVK, and progressive farmer’s filed for popularization
of this new technology which can provide an alternative option to
farmers for diversification of vegetable crops in protected cultivation.
A total of eighty five field demonstration of technology of speciality
melon production under protected cultivation were conducted during 5
years. Many demonstrations were conducted in new potential area like
Kutch region of Gujarat and Ladakkh region of Jammu and Kashmir
and organic Leh melon can be popularized in India which may be
substitute for importing melons from Central Asian regions.

A total of 14 farmer’s training were atconducted at farmer’s field/

KVK/ Research Institute in Palwal, Haryana, ICAR-IIFSR, Meeruth,
U.P. KVK, Chomu, Rajasthan, CITH RS, Uttarakhand, Centre of
Excellence on Vegetables, Umarada, Kannauj, U.P, KVK, GB Nagar,
U.P, KVK Gudamalani, Rajasthan and IARI, New Delhi,Tiggipur,
Delhi, GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, KVK, Kota, Rajasthan,
KVK, Jhalawar, Rajasthan and BBFPO, Mohangarh, Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan

48
Shri Suresh Agarwal, MD, Beej Sheetal Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Jalna
observing sSpeciality melon production under high tunnel at
IARI, New Delhi

Dr. Anand Kumar Singh , DDG Horticultural Science, ICAR

and former MD, NHB observing Specialty melon production
under high tunnel at IARI, New Delhi

49
 Farmers
Farmers training for training
trainingFarmers off -season
for offspeciality melon production
-season speciality in
melon production
Farmers protected cultivation at off
IARI, New Delhiinin 2018
in protected
trainingFarmers
cultivation
training for
at IARI, New
-season
Delhi
speciality
2018
melon production
in protected cultivation at IARI, New Delhi in 2018

Speciality melon Pusa Sarda production under net house duringmay 2018 May, year
Speciality melon Pusa Sarda production under net house duringmay 2018 May, year

Explaining pollination of speciality melon inside poly house in Meeruth, U.P

Speciality
Speciality melon
melon Pusa
Pusa Sarda production
production under
undernet
nethouse
houseatatCollege
CollegeofofHorticulture,
Horticulture,
Jhalawar,Rajasthan.
Jhalawar, Rajasthan.
Speciality melon Pusa Sarda production under net house at Col-
lege of Horticulture, Jhalawar, Rajasthan.

50
Demonstration of speciality melon production under high tunnel
in Palwal, Haryana in 2017

Scientist/ expert demonstrating /explaining pollination of

speciality melon inside net house in Palwal, Haryana

Farmers training programme at Amapur, palwal, Haryana

51
 Farmers training programme at Amapur, palwal, Haryana

Demonstration of Speciality melon production under poly house

during December in Meerut, UP.

Explaining pollination of speciality melon inside poly house in

Meerut, U.P

52
Explaining pollination of speciality melon inside poly house in Meeruth, U.P

Explaining pollination of speciality melon inside poly house in Meeruth, U.P

Explaining pollination of speciality melon inside poly house in Meeruth, U.P

Farmers
Farmers training programme
training programme at ICAR-IIFSR,at ICAR-IIFSR,
Meeruth. Meerut.
Farmers training programme at ICAR-IIFSR, Meeruth.
Farmers training programme at ICAR-IIFSR, Meeruth.

Farmers training programme at KVK, Chomu, Rajasthan

Farmers training programme at KVK, Chomu, Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers trainingtraining programme
programme at KVK,
at KVK, Chomu, Chomu,
Rajasthan Rajasthan

Farmers training programme at KVK, Chomu, Rajasthan

Farmers training programme at KVK, Chomu, Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers trainingtraining programme
programme at KVK,
at KVK, Chomu, Chomu,
Rajasthan Rajasthan

53
Demonstration
Demonstrationand and
training of speciality
training mMelon
of speciality at atCITH,
melon CITH,RS,
RS,Mukteswar
Uttarakhand Mukteswar, Uttarakhand
Demonstration and training of speciality mMelon at CITH, RS, Mukteswar,
Uttarakhand

Demonstration of speciality melon in polyhouse at GBPUAT, Pantnagar

Demonstration of speciality
Demonstration melon in polyhouse
of speciality melon in at GBPUAT, Pantnagar
polyhouse at GBPUAT,
Pantnagar

54
FarmersFarmers training at
training programme programme at GBPUAT,
GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand
Farmers training programme at GBPUAT, Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand Uttarakhand
Farmers training programme at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand

FarmersFarmers
Farmers training trainingat
training programme
programme programme
at at GBPUAT,
GBPUAT,Pantnagar,
GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Farmers training programme at GBPUAT, Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand Uttarakhand

Farmers training programme

FarmersFarmers
training programme at
trainingat GBPUAT,Pantnagar,
programme
GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
at GBPUAT, Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand
Farmers training programme at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
55
 Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi
Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi
Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi

Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi

Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi
Farmers training programme at Tiggipur, Delhi

56
Farmers training programme at KVK, Gautam Budhhanagar, U.P

Farmers
Farmers training
training programme
programme at KVK,
at KVK, Gautam Gautam
Budhhanagar, U.P Budhhanagar,
U.P

Farmers
Farmers training
training programme
programme at KVK, GautamBudh
at KVK, GautamBudhahanNagar, U.P Nagar, U.P
Farmers training programme at KVK, GautamBudhahanNagar, U.P

57
Farmers training programme at KVK, Gudamalani, Barmer, Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers training
training programme
programme at KVK,Barmer,
at KVK, Gudamalani, Gudamalani,
RajasthanBarmer,
Farmers training programme at KVK, Gudamalani, Barmer, Rajasthan
Rajasthan

Farmers training programme at KVK, Gudamalani, Barmer, Rajasthan

Farmers training programme at KVK, Gudamalani, Barmer,
Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers training
training programme
programme at KVK,
at KVK, Gudamalani, Kota,Rajasthan
Barmer, Rajasthan

58
 Farmers training programme at KVK, Kota, Rajasthan
Farmers training programme at KVK, Kota, Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers training
training programme
programme at KVK,BarmerJhalawar,
at KVK, Gudamalani, Jhalawar, Rajasthan
Rajasthan

59
Farmers training programme at KVK, Gudamalani, BarmerJhalawar, Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers training training
programmeprogramme
at Mohangarh,atJaisaelmer,
Mohangarh, Jaisalmer
Rajasthan

Farmers
Farmers training programme
training programme at Mohangarh,atJaisaelmer,
Mohangarh, Jaisalmer,
Rajasthan
Rajasthan
Demonstration of speciality melon production in cold desert of Ladakh
60
 Demonstration of speciality melon production in cold desert of
Ladakh

Demonstration of Pusa Sarda in open field with black polythene mulch

Demonstration
Demonstration of Pusa
of Pusa Sarda
Sarda in openwith
in open field withpolythene
black polythene
at DIHAR, (DRDO), Research field, field
Leh ,Laddakhblack mulch
during 2018
at DIHAR, (DRDO), Cropping mulch
Research field, Leh ,Laddakh
period: June-September during 2018
at DIHAR, (DRDO), Research
Cropping period:
Average field,
Yield: 55 Leh ,Laddakh during 2018
June-September
tonnes/ha
Average
Cropping TSS: Yield:
period: 55 tonnes/ha
14.5June-September
to 16 Brix
TSS: 14.5 to 16 Brix
Average Yield: 55 tonnes/ha
TSS: 14.5 to 16 Brix

61
62
 Success Story

A farmer, Dr. Suresh K Tanwar form Chomu, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Success
has successfully cultivated off season Story
PusaSarda and PusaSunehari in
A farmer, from
polyhouse Dr. Suresh K Tanwar
September form Chomu,
to November Jaipur,
in 2018 inRajasthan
500 squarehas metre
successfully c
off season PusaSarda and PusaSunehari in polyhouse from September to November
area andsquare
in 500 he could
metreharvest
area andabout 3 tonnes
he could harvest of melon.
about Heofhas
3 tonnes earned
melon. a earned
He has
of Rs,
profit of95000 only within
Rs, 95000 only 3within
months3bymonths
selling an
byaverage
sellingprice of Rs. 40price
an average per kg.
Success Story
A farmer, Dr. Suresh K Tanwar form Chomu, Jaipur, Rajasthan has successfully cultivated
of Rs. 40 perPusaSarda
off season kg. and PusaSunehari in polyhouse from September to November in 2018
in 500 square metre area and he could harvest about 3 tonnes of melon. He has earned a profit
of Rs, 95000 only within 3 months by selling an average price of Rs. 40 per kg.

Off season speciality melon production in polyhouse at Chomu,

Off season speciality melon production in polyhouse at Chomu, Rajasthan in 201
Off season speciality melonRajasthan
production inin 2018 at Chomu, Rajasthan in 2018
polyhouse

Yield (500 sq.metre) Cropping period 63 Av. Rate Av. Profit (100 days)
d (500 sq.metre) Cropping period Av. Rate Av. Profit (100
 Yield (500 Cropping Av. Rate Av. Profit (100
sq.metre) period days)
3060 kg September- Rs.40 Rs. 95,000
November

Demonstration
Demonstration of Speciality
of Speciality melon
melon production production
in protected in protected
cultivation
cultivation
Demonstration of Speciality melon production in protected cultivation

Demonstration of Speciality melon production in protected

cultivation

64
 Lt. General (Retd.) Shri Gurmit Singh, Honorable Governor
of Uttarakhand enquiring about off season speciality
meloncultivation in polyhouseat GBPUAT Pantnagar,
Uttarakhand during November 2021

Dr. M. Ariz Ahmed, former M.D, NHB giving certificates to

farmers in training for off season speciality melon production in
protected cultivation at IARI, New Delhi in November 2018

65
 Annexure-I
List of demonstrations of speciality melon production in protect-
ed cultivation during 2017-18 to 2021-22

2017-18
S. Place of Demonstration Name of Institute/Farmer
No
1. Meerut (U.P) ICAR- IIFSR
2. Meerut (U.P) Shri Sameer
3. Palwal, Haryana Amarpur
4. Palwal, Haryana Dadota
5 Faridabad, Haryana Shri Monu,
6. Jhalawar, Rajasthan College of Horticulture & For-
estry, Jhalra-Pathan
7 Chomu, Rajasthan KVK, Chomu
8. Chomu, Rajasthan Shri Suresh. K. Tanwar
9 Chomu, Rajasthan Shri Suresh
10 Delhi Division of Vegetable Science,I-
CAR-IARI
11 Tiggipur, Delhi Shri Kunal Gehlot
2018-19
1. Meerut (U.P) ICAR- IIFSR
2. Meerut (U.P) Shri Sameer
3. G B Nagar, U.P KVK, G B Nagar
4. Kannauj, UP Centre of Excellence, Umarda,
Kannauj
5. Chitrakoot, UP KVK, Ganima, DRI
6. Varanasi, UP ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi
7. Palwal, Haryana Amarpur
8 Palwal, Haryana Dadota
9. Jhajhaar, Haryana Shri Satish
10. Jhalawar, Rajasthan College of Horticulture & For-
estry, Jhalra-Pathan
11. Chomu, Rajasthan KVK, Chomu
12. Chomu, Rajasthan Shri S. K. Tanwar

66
13 Chomu, Rajasthan Shri Suresh
14 Bikaner, Rajasthan ICAR-CIAH
15 Jodhpur, Rajasthan AU, Jodhpur
16 Gudamalani, Rajasthan KVK, Gudamalani
17 Kota, Rajasthan KVK, Kota
18 Jhalawar, Rajasthan KVK, Jhalawar
19. Delhi, Tiggipur Shri Kunal Gehlot
20 Delhi ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
21 Delhi, Dariyapur Shri Satyawan,
22 Srinagar, J&K SKUAST, Srinagar, J&K
23. Leh-Ladakh SKUAST-K, Leh
24. Leh-Ladakh DRDO-DIHAR, Leh
25. Mukteswar, Uttarakhand ICAR- CITH, Mukteswar
26 Pantnagar, Uttarakhand GBPUAT, Pantnagar
27 Almora, Uttarakhand ICAR-VPKAS, Almora
28 Katrain, HP IARI, RS Katrain
29. Udaipur, Lahul, HP KVK, Udaipur, Lahul, CSKHP-
KV, Palampur
30. Junagarh, (Gujarat) Krishna Antique, Junagarh
31. Bhuj, Gujarat Hiren Chande, Katiara Complex,
Gujarat
32. Bhavanpur(Gujarat) Mansukh Patel, Khopala, Guja-
rat
31. Jalgaon, Maharastra Balkrishna, Jain Irrigation Sys-
tem
33 Muzaffarpur Shri Sonu Kumar
34. Bodh Gaya,Bihar Shri Manoranjan
35 Trishur KAU, Trishur
2019-20
1. Meerut (U.P) ICAR- IIFSR
2. Meerut (U.P) Shri Sameer
3. G B Nagar, U.P KVK, G B Nagar
4. Kannauj, UP Centre of Excellence, Umarda,
Kannauj

67
5. Banda BUAT, Banda
6 Lucknow ICAR-CISH, Lucknow
7. Varanasi, UP ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi
8. Palwal, Haryana Amarpur
9 Palwal, Haryana Dadota
10. Jhalawar, Rajasthan College of Horticulture & For-
estry, Jhalra-Pathan

11. Chomu, Rajasthan KVK, Chomu

12. Chomu, Rajasthan Shri S. K. Tanwar
13 Gudamalani, Rajasthan KVK, Gudamalani
14 Kota, Rajasthan KVK, Kota
15 Jhalawar, Rajasthan KVK, Jhalawar
16 Delhi, Tiggipur Shri Kunal Gehlot
17 Delhi ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
21 Delhi, Dariyapur Shri Satyawan,
18 Srinagar, J&K SKUAST, Srinagar, J&K
19. Leh-Ladakh SKUAST-K, Leh
20. Leh-Ladakh DRDO-DIHAR, Leh
21. Mukteswar, Uttarakhand ICAR- CITH, Mukteswar
22 Pantnagar, Uttarakhand GBPUAT, Pantnagar
23 Surat, Gujarat Sagar Seeds Pvt Ltd, Surat
24. Jalgaon, Maharastra Balkrishna, Jain Irrigation Sys-
tem
25 Muzaffarpur Shri Sonu Kumar
26 Trishur KAU, Trishur
2020-21
1. G B Nagar KVK, G B Nagar
2. Varanasi ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi
3. Banda BUAT, Banda
4. Jhalawar, Rajasthan KVK, Jhalawar
5 Delhi ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
6. Leh-Ladakh DRDO-DIHAR, Leh
7. Pantnagar, Uttarakhand GBPUAT, Pantnagar

68
8. Surat, Gujarat Sagar Seeds Pvt Ltd, Surat
2021-22
1. Varanasi ICAR-IIVR, Varanasi
2. Jhalawar, Rajasthan KVK, Jhalawar
3. Mohangarh, Jaiselmer BBFPO, Mohangarh
4 Delhi ICAR-IARI, New Delhi
5. Leh-Ladakh DRDO-DIHAR, Leh
6. Pantnagar, Uttarakhand GBPUAT, Pantnagar
List of Farmer’s Training Programmes conducted during 2017 to
2022

Sl Date and Place Title of Training

No year
1 29.11.2017 Amarpur, Pawlal, Off season production
Haryana technology of speciality
melon under net house
2 5.12.2017 ICAR-IIFSR Off season production
Meerut, U.P technology of speciality
melon for polyhouse
3 1.11.2018 Division of Vegeta- Technology for speciality
ble Science, ICAR- melon production under
IARI, New Delhi protected cultivation
4 27.11.2018 Krishi Vigyan Ken- “Technological options
dra, Chomu, Jaipur, for protected cultivation
Rajasthan of melon in off season
5 30.11.2018 ICAR- CITH, RS, Off Season Production
Mukteshwar, Ut- Technology of speciality
tarakhand melon under protected
cultivation”
6 30.11.2019 ICAR-CITH, RS, Technological options for
Mukteshwar, Ut- diversification of protect-
tarakhand ed cultivation”
7 19.01.2020 Centre of Excel- Technological options for
lence for Vege- protected cultivation of
tables, Umarda, vegetable crops ”
Kannauj, U.P

69
8 20.02.2021 Sri Kunal Gehlot, Technology for protect-
Tiggipur village, ed cultivation of specility
Delhi melon
9 23.02.2021 Krishi Vigyan Ken- Technology options for
dra, Gautam Budh- off season vegetable culti-
ha Nagar, U.P vation in protected struc-
tures
10 02.03.2021 Krishi Vigyan Ken- Technological options for
dra, Gudamalani, off season vegetable culti-
Barmer, Rajasthan vation in protected struc-
tures
11 25.11.2021 Department of Technological options for
Vegetable Science, off season vegetable culti-
GBPUAT, Pant- vation in protected struc-
nagar, Uttarakhand tures
12 3.12.2021 KVK, Kota, Univer- Technological options for
sity of Agriculture, off season vegetable culti-
Kota, Rajasthan vation in protected struc-
tures
13 4.12.2021 KVK, Jhalawar, Technology for protect-
College of Horti- ed cultivation of specility
culture, Jhalawar, melon
Rajasthan
14 01.01.2022 Bhura Baba Farm- Technological options for
ers producer Com- off season vegetable culti-
pany, Mohangarh, vation in protected struc-
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan tures”

70
 Annexure-II

SCHEME-1

1. Development of Commercial Horticulture through Production

and Post-Harvest Management of Horticulture Crops

Commercial Horticulture Development in protected cover on

project mode

a) Activity (ies) allowed and Area norms:

The Board will also take up commercial horticulture development

projects under protected cover on project mode including components
viz planting material, plantation, irrigation, fertigation, mechanization,
etc for projects having area over 2500 sq meter. In case of NE Region,
projects having area over 1000 sq meter are eligible. Activities like
construction of green houses, shade net house, plastic mulching, and
plastic tunnel, anti bird /hail nets etc would be promoted. Provision has
been made for selecting a variety of construction material for green
houses and shade nets houses. Preference will be given to using locally
available material to minimize cost of construction of such structures.

b) Crops eligible:

a. Flowers: Anthurium, Orchids, Rose, Lilium, Chrysanthemum,

Carnation and Gerbera.
b. Vegetables: High value vegetables: Capsicum, Cucumber,
Tomato

c) Pattern of assistance: Credit linked back-ended subsidy @ 50% of the

total project cost limited to Rs 56.00 lakh per project as per admissible
cost norms for green houses, shade net house, plastic tunnel, anti bird
/hail nets & cost of planting material etc.

71
 d) Maximum Project costs allowed for subsidy calculation.

S Item Cost Norms* Pattern of Assistance#

N
A. Development of Commercial Horticulture ##
A. 2 Commercial Horticulture Rs 112.00 lakh per project Credit linked back-
Development in protected cover. covering area above 2500 ended subsidy @ 50%
Sq.mt. of cost limited to
Rs.56.00 lakh per
project.
Protected cultivation
1. Green House structure
(a) Fan & Pad system Rs. 1400/Sqm and Rs. 50% of cost for above
1610/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
(b) Naturally ventilated system
i) Tubular structure Rs. 844/Sqm and 50% of cost for above
Rs.970/Sqm for hilly states. 2500 Sqm
ii) Wooden structure Rs. 540/Sqm and Rs. 50% of cost for above
621/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
iii) Bamboo structure Rs. 450/Sqm and Rs. 50% of cost for above
518/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
2. Shade Net House
(a) Tubular structure Rs. 710/Sqm and 50% of cost for above
Rs. 816/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
(b) Wooden structure Rs. 492/Sqm and 50% of cost for above
Rs. 566/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
(c) Bamboo structure Rs.360/Sqm and 50% of cost for above
Rs.414/Sqm for hilly states 2500 Sqm
3 Plastic Tunnel Rs.60/Sqm and Rs.75/sqm 50% of cost for above
for hilly states 2500 Sqm
4 Walk in Tunnel Rs.600/ Sqm 50% of cost for above
2500 Sqm
5 Anti-Bird/Anti Hail Nets Rs.35/Sqm 50% of cost for above
2500 Sqm
6 Cost of Planting Material and Rs.140/Sqm 50% of cost for above
cultivation of High Value vegetables 2500 Sqm
grown in Poly House/Shade net House
7 Cost of Planting Material and Rs.700/Sqm 50% of cost for above
cultivation of Orchid and Anthurium 2500 Sq.m
grown in Poly House/Shade net House
8 Cost of Planting Material and Rs.610/Sqm 50% of cost for above
cultivation of Carnation & Gerbera 2500 Sqm
grown in Poly House/Shade net House
9 Cost of Planting Material and Rs.426/Sqm 50% of cost for above
cultivation of Rose &Lilium grown in 2500 Sqm
Poly House/Shade net House
10 Plastic Mulching Rs.32000/Ha and 50% of cost for above
Rs.36800/Ha for Hilly 2500 Sqm
Areas

72
e. Cost norms for Protected cultivation under NHB Scheme:

Cost Rs. Lakh per acre

SN Crop Cost of Poly Cost of Cost ceiling per

house with drip Cultivation acre with add
& fogger on components
system* in project mode
1 Anthurium & Orchid 33.76 28.00 70.00
2 Rose, Lilium, Chrysanthemum 33.76 17.04 60.00
3 Carnation & Gerbera 33.76 24.40 66.00
4 Hi-Value vegetable under poly 33.76 5.60 47.00
house
5 Hi-Value vegetable under Shed 28.40 5.60 40.00
net

* Cost of Tubular structure in plain area. In hilly States, cost of poly house will be 15%
more.

Note:

1 Wherever cost norms are not given, cost norms available under MIDH scheme for
similar activity shall be followed. In case norms are not available under MIDH scheme
also, cost appraised by bank as per bank norms or approved by Competent committee of
NHB shall apply till cost norms are prepared.

2 In project mode, applicant may opt for add on components as per norms given 1.1. (f)
but unless otherwise specified, cost ceiling, as prescribed for each crop/activity shall be
applied where cost of add on components exceeds prescribed ceiling.

73
 (f).Norms for Technology Add on components and other essential components of Integrated
Commercial Horticulture projects:
S.
No. Item Description Admissible Cost
Cutoff date for implementation
I Cost of Admissible only if Actual or up to 10 % of Eligible Project Cost
Land * # purchased newly but not (EPC) (Excluding cost of Land and
before one year from date Development) whichever is less subject to
of sanction of loan. maximum of Rs. 50,000/- per acre.
I(i) Land Includes cost of Land Actual or up to 15% of Eligible Project Cost
Development * # leveling, digging of pits, (EPC) (Excluding cost of Land and Land
fencing, gates etc. Development) whichever is less subject to
maximum of Rs. 50,000/- per acre.
II Cultivation Includes cost of Planting As per MIDH (NHM) cost norms as given at
expenses * # material, cost of input Appendix- 1
(labour, fertilizer and
manures, pesticides etc)
III Drip system with Component includes  Actual or Rs. 20,000/-per acre for plant
internal pipeline mainline, valve, backflow density up to 200 plants
preventer pressure  Actual or Rs. 25,000/- per acre for
regulator, filter, tubing plant density >200 plants/acre
adapters and fittings, drip  Sprinkler @Rs. 15,000/per acre
tubing, emitters and an end
cap
III(i) Irrigation Irrigation infrastructure like  Actual or up to Rs. 50,000/- per acre
infrastructure tube-well/bore well/open for open field cultivation.
excluding micro well, pipeline, water  Rs. 4.00 lakh per project in case of
irrigation * # harvesting structure, water protected cultivation.
harvesting structure, water Component – wise cost norms will be as under
tank etc, admissible only if :
newly created with loan 1. Tube-well – up to Rs. 2.50 lakh per
component unit
2. Water harvesting structure- @ Rs.
100/- CuM with use of minimum 300
microns plastic films or RCC lining.
3. Cost of non-lined ponds/tanks will be
30% less.
4. Pipe line-Rs 150/- per running meter
only from source (min. 4” diameter) of
irrigation to production unit
IV Horticulture  Power/hydraulic  Tractor (up to 20 BHP) @Rs.3.00
Mechanization * operated machine/tools lakh/unit
# ## including small farms  Power Tiller below8 BHP @ Rs.1.00
tractor with lakh/unit
rotavator/equipments  Power tiller 8 BHP & Above @ Rs.1.50
etc. lakh/unit
 Machineries Identified  Tractor/Power Tiller (Below 20 BHP)
by NHB under farm driven equipments
mechanization - Land development, tillage and seed bed
component may be preparation equipments - @ Rs.0.30 lakh
considered for subsidy per unit
in standalone mode - Sowing, planting reaping and digging

74
 equipments - @ Rs.0.30 Lakh per unit
Plastic mulch laying machine – Rs.0.70

Lakh per unit
 Self-propelled Horticulture machinery - @
Rs.2.50 lakh per unit
 Other tools and equipments as per norms
as per norms of Sub Mission on
Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM)
V Civil Includes Functional Pack 1. Functional Pack house @ Rs. 4.00
Infrastructure * House/ On farm collection Lakh/unit with size of 9 x 6 Meter (Pro
# unit and labour quarter rate basis for lower size)
2. Labour Quarter/ Store room @ Rs.
20,000/- per acre maximum up to 3.00
lakh . Cost norm as per pack house
Vi Vermi Compost Permanent structure and Rs.60,000/- per unit for permanent structure
unit * # HDPE vermibed and Rs.10,000/- for HDPE vermibed (96 cft
(12’x4’x2’ and IS 15907:2010 to be
administered on prorate basis).
VII Certification for Rs.4000/- per acre.
Good Agriculture
Practice (GAP),
including
infrastructure *
##
VIII Support system Permanent structure made Rs. 1,50,000/- per acre
for Grapes up of MS angles and
(trellis, telephone, stainless steel wire.
bawar and other
system etc. *

IX Plastic Mulching Rs.12800/- per acre and Rs.14729/- acre for

* ## hilly states
X Bed Preparation Protected Cultivation Rs.100/- per Sq. m.
Cost in the cases projects only in cases
requiring Soil involving removal and
replacement # replacement of top soil by
red soil or cultivation is
done on
media/Pots/Concrete bed

Components categorization:

* Commercial Horticulture, within overall cost ceiling

#
Protected Cultivation, within overall cost ceiling
## Over and above overall cost ceiling

Any other add on component as may be decided by Project Approval Committee for
inclusion of new item(s) may be suitably incorporated from time to time.

(g)Technical Standards: For availing subsidy, all material /technology should strictly conform
to the prescribed standards, else the project is not eligible for any financial assistance.

75
g. (i)TECHNICAL STANDARDS OF NATURALLY VENTILATED POLY HOUSE (NVPH)

Name of Beneficiary:
Address:
Sr. PARTICULARS SPECIFICATION AS REMARK
No. INSPECTED
1 Type of structure NVPH
2 Area in sq mt
3 Gutter Height 4.0 to 4.5 mtrs
4 Ridge Height/Centre 6.0 to 6.5 mtrs
Height
5 Foundation pipe 60 mm OD 1200 to 1300 mm length 3
mm thick weight 4.20 kgs/mtrs
6 Column 76 mm OD, 2 mm thick, weight 3.75
kg/mtrs
7 Top purlin 48 mm OD 2.0 mm thick, weight 2.30
kg/mtrs
8 Gutter purlin 42 mm OD 2 mm thick weight 2.10
kg/mtrs
9 Top Arch 42 mm OD 2 mm thick weight 2.10
kg/mtrs
10 Bottom cord of the Truss 60 mm OD/2.0 mm thick weight 2.85
kg/mtrs
11 Internal Bracing pipe & 33 mm OD 2 mm thick, weight 1.60
Cross Bracing kg/mtrs
12 Balcony pipe 60 mm OD 2 mm thick
2.85 kg/mtrs
13 Curtain runner 42 mm OD 2 mm thick, weight 2.10
kg.mtrs
14 Curtain shaft 27 mm OD 2 mm thick, weight 1.30
kg/mtrs
15 Hockey support 33 mm OD 2 mm thick, weight 1.60
kg/mtrs
16 Flap control pipe 21 mm OD 2 mm thick, weight 1.08
kg/mtrs
17 Poly film UV stabilized 200 micron
18 Fasteners M6 to m10 Nut bolts 50-150 mm long
19 Shade net UV stabilized 50% shade net of any
colour with manual or auto operation
20 Bottom Apron 0.6 to 1.5 meter height
21 Nut bolts Size 3/8”
22 Civil work/foundation 45 cm dia. and 75 cm to 90 cm depth
23 Extra items if any
a) Down take pipe
b) Trellis system

Signature of
NHB Bank Crop Post-Harvest State Applicant Chartered (Mech.) Engineer on
Official Rep. Expert Expert Horti/ Agri behalf of Applicant
Dept.

76