Common Names: Ridge Gourd, Turai (तुरई), Dodka (दोडका), Beerakaya (Telugu), Peerkangai (Tamil)
Botanical Name: Luffa acutangula

Cultivation Area in India

• Ridge gourd is widely grown across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

• Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are among the leading producers.

• Cultivated both in open fields and kitchen/backyard gardens due to its adaptability.

Climate and Temperature Requirements

• Warm and humid climate is ideal.

• Grows best at 25°C to 35°C.

• Sensitive to frost and waterlogging.

• Can be grown year-round in tropical areas, but the main seasons are:

  • Kharif (monsoon)

  • Summer

  • Rabi (in southern regions with mild winters)

Soil Requirements

• Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil.

• Soil should be rich in organic matter, with good aeration.

• Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal.

• Avoid saline or heavy clay soils.

Cultivation Practices

• Sowing Method: Direct sowing or transplanting of seedlings.

• Seed Rate: ~4–5 kg/ha

• Spacing: 1.5–2 m between rows, 0.5–1 m between plants

• Support/Trellising: Plants should be trained on bamboo/stake/trellis for better air circulation, yield, and fruit quality.

• Irrigation: Regular irrigation needed, especially during flowering and fruiting.

• Fertilization: Apply well-decomposed FYM/compost + balanced NPK fertilizers.

Pests & Diseases

• Common issues: Fruit fly, aphids, downy mildew, powdery mildew

• Crop monitoring and timely control with organic or chemical sprays help reduce losses.

Harvesting

• Harvest when fruits are young, tender, and 25–30 cm long.

• Frequent picking promotes new fruit growth.

• Yield: 80–120 quintals per hectare, depending on variety and management.