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Technical Kisanखेती, तकनीक के साथ
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Ash Gourd (Petha/Kumbh)All seasonsOpen-pollinatedUpdated 6 September 2026

Kashi Dhawal

An ICAR-IIVR (Varanasi) release with a long vine (7.5–8 m), oblong fruit, thick white flesh (8.5–8.7 cm) and very high yield potential for an open-pollinated variety, at around 11–12 kg per fruit.

SeasonAll seasons
Maturity period~120 days
Expected yield23–24 t/ha (230–240 q/ha)
Suitable soilLoam

Quick facts

Crop
Ash Gourd (Petha/Kumbh)
Type
Open-pollinated
Season
All seasons
Maturity period
~120 days
Seed rate
2–2.5 kg/ha for open-pollinated varieties
Expected yield
23–24 t/ha (230–240 q/ha)
Suitable soil
Loam
Release
Released by ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi

About this variety

Kashi Dhawal is an ash gourd variety released by ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR), Varanasi, notable for its unusually vigorous, long vine (7.5–8 m) and very large, heavy fruit averaging 11–12 kg each. Its oblong fruit carries thick white flesh (8.5–8.7 cm thick), and it is a strong performer among open-pollinated varieties, giving 230–240 quintals per hectare — a yield level that rivals some hybrids. This combination of size and flesh thickness makes it well suited to commercial growers targeting large-format processing use (petha and other candy-making) as well as long storage, where the wax coating on a fully mature fruit is especially valuable.

Key characteristics

    Plant typeOpen-pollinated
    Maturity~120 days
    Yield potential23–24 t/ha (230–240 q/ha)
    Disease resistanceNo special resistance widely documented
    SoilLoam
    SeasonAll seasons

Sowing & cultivation

  • Seed rate2–2.5 kg/ha for open-pollinated varieties
  • SpacingWide spacing needed given its vigorous, long (7.5–8 m) vine — commonly 2–3 m between hills

Yield & maturity

Maturity period

~120 days

Expected yield

23–24 t/ha (230–240 q/ha)

Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.

Pest & disease considerations

Major diseases

  • No special resistance widely documented

Advantages & considerations

Why farmers may choose it

  • Very high yield for an open-pollinated variety, competitive with some hybrids.
  • Large, heavy fruit with thick flesh suits both processing and long storage use.

Things to consider

  • The vine's vigorous, long growth needs generous spacing and a strong bower or ample ground space.

Suitable regions

States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.

  • Uttar Pradesh
  • Bihar
  • West Bengal