How to go about melon farming this season
Melon, popularly known as ‘egusi’ is a widely cultivated crop in Nigeria that is used as a relished condiment for local soups. The seeds are rich in vegetable protein, fat and vitamins with up to 50% oil and 35% protein.
Melon crop provides an excellent ground cover for soil, in addition to reduction of surface runoff, control of erosion and its effectiveness in weed suppression.
It is worthy to note however that both nitrogen and phosphorus perform different functions in crops growth and development, as such one cannot be substituted by the other.
In a study conducted by Ayodele O J and others from the Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, Ekiti State University in 2006, they recommended fertiliser application of 20kg phosphorus fertiliser per hectare for optimum seed production in sole egusi.
Nitrogen is highly important for the growth of melon plant and its deficiency causes stunting of the crop, and gives it a yellowish appearance. It is of key importance for vigorous vegetative growth, seed formation and optimum yield of melon.
Experts recommend applying Nitrogen at the rate of 60 kg per hectare for optimum yield.
Meanwhile, Olaniyi J O in the research conducted by him in 2000 in the guinea savanna zone of southwestern Nigeria recommended 350kg of NPK fertiliser per hectare for optimum seed yield of melon.
On the other hand, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) recommended 400kg of NPK 15-15-15 for egusi-melon, based on data and fertiliser use experiences of similar tropical countries.
Speaking to Mr Gomna Yusuf, a melon farmer based in Nasarawa State, he affirmed that farming egusi-melon
is not difficult, adding that he normally planted the melon seeds on his farm after harvesting benniseed/sesame.
He stated that planting is generally done in April and harvested around July, further adding that after harvesting, the seeds are spread and allowed to dry before packing into bags and either stored or taken to the market, depending on the demand at that particular time.
In his words, Mr Yusuf said “On two hectares, depending on the fertility of the land, a farmer may get two to seven bags of melon seeds. The bag is between 170kg and 200kg.”
Gomna, who is a peasant farmer, says he makes ridges on the farm and uses manual labour to clear the land, adding that the melon seeds were planted on top of the ridges.
He said for his two hectare farm, he sows four measures (mudu) of melon seeds at the rate of two seeds per hole.
On fertiliser application, he said it depends on the quantity he gets, but applies two bags of Urea fertiliser on the average.
Mr Yusuf maintained that insect pest attacks depended on the season, which meant it alternates between seasons.
He said he uses two bottles of ‘Karet’, a liquid herbicide on his farm to kill off weed and maintain healthy growth of the melon.
Mr Yusuf explained that the price of a bag of melon seeds depends on the market and could cost between N31,000 and N40,000.
He affirmed that melon farming doesn’t incur much expenses and therefore doesn’t need much capital to start.
Gomna advised that ‘Karet’ herbicide should be applied three weeks after sowing for effective management of weeds, pointing out that a bottle of ‘Karet’ herbicide was sold at N1,800 to N2,000.