Snake gourd or serpent gourd is a rapidly growing vine plant that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is mainly consumed as a vegetable. It has also some important medicinal value. The morphology and production technology are briefly described in this presentation.
4. English name: Snake gourd/ Serpent gourd/
Snake tomato
Bengali name: চিচিঙ্গা
Scientific Name: Trichosanthes cucumerina
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Origin: South Asia
Distribution: South & East Asia, Australia and
tropical Africa
Introduction
14. Production Technology
Climate
Humid lowland tropic region. Minimum 18°C
during early growth. Optimum growth
temperature is 24°- 27°C. Planting is done at
the beginning of rainy season.
16. Production Technology
Cultivation processes
It is cultivating by seeds
Seedling:
Polybag for 15-20 days age
Pits: Wide- 1m. The distance between two pits-
1.5 m. A 30-40 cm canal goes through between
two pits. The application of fertilizers and soaking
the seed for 24 hours are done before seed sowing.
18. Production Technology
Planting time: February-Jun
Seed rate: 4-5 kg/ha
Fertilizer: Per hectare
Cow dung- 20 ton
TSP- 175 kg
Urea- 175 kg
MOP- 150 kg
Gypsum- 100 kg
25. Item Cost return (Tk/ha)
Total cost 219,350
Gross return 291,872
Net-return/profit 72,521
Cost Benefit Ratio 1.34
Production Technology
Table-1: Cost benefit ratio of snake gourd production
29. Health benefit
Accelerates Weight Loss: A diet regimen
Augments Heart Function: Ensuring optimal functioning
of cardiac muscles
Detoxifies The Kidneys: Stimulates natural elimination of
body wastes and kidney stones via the excretory system
Strengthens Respiratory Processes: Benefits lung function
Used for skin and hair: Prevent from skin Infections
nourishment and vigor to the hair strands
Immune system: Strengthens our immune system
Healthy digestive system: Keeping our bowel movements
soft and regular and prevents from constipation