A case study of FLD on demonstration of fruit cracking management practices in muskmelon in Bidar

Abstract

Muskmelon (Cucumus mela L.) is one of the important cucurbit crops grown during late rabi and summer season. In Bidar district, muskmelon is growing over an area of around 300 ha with a production of 5850 tonnes. Since muskmelon is a short duration crop, many farmers are willing to grow as a catch crop after the green gram or black gram or soybean, however the yield of muskmelon is not matching with the potential yield and also the quality of the fruit is being affected by the disorder like fruit cracking under size. ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra Bidar conducted FGD (Focused Group discussion) during 2023-24 in the muskmelon growing area of Bhalki taluka and formulated and conducted the FLD to address the maximizing yield with reducing fruit cracking in muskmelon during 2024-25. For the demonstration 10 farmers were selected from Tarnalli and Halbarga villeges of Bhalki taluka of Bidar district. A series of follow up visits, off campus training and informing through messages to the farmers has empowered the farmers to address their problems faced earlier for the muskmelon production and resulted is realized the yield up to 31.3 t/ha with quality produce that gave the better income of 1,37,150 Rs/ha.