New Delhi, 10 April 2025: As soon as the summer season arrives, most people think about how to avoid the sun and heat, but have you ever thought that this season can fill your pocket? If you want to earn big profits by investing less money, then cucumber cultivation can be a golden opportunity for you. This is a fruit that not only grows fast, but its demand in the market also remains throughout the year. So let’s know how cucumber cultivation can change your luck and what is the right way to start it.

Why is cucumber cultivation special?

Cucumber is the superstar of summer. It neither takes much time to grow it, nor does it require huge capital. This crop is ready in just 40-50 days, and once started, it continues to bear fruit for many weeks. Its price in the market ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 50 per kg, which can also increase according to the season and demand.

Agricultural expert Ajay Verma explains, “Cucumber farming is a boon for small farmers. It is low cost—seeds, fertilizers and water are the main expenses. If done properly, one can easily earn Rs 2 to 3 lakh from one acre.” Used as salad, juice and pickle, cucumber is a necessity in every household, which guarantees its sale.

Keep these things in mind before starting

It is important to understand a few things before starting cucumber farming. First, select the soil—loamy or sandy soil is best for it. It needs regular water in summer, but avoid waterlogging. Choose a good variety of seeds, like Pusa Uday or hybrid varieties, which give higher yield.

Satish Kumar, a farmer from Haryana who has been cultivating cucumber for the past five years, advises, “Make sure of the water arrangements first. If there is a lack of irrigation in summers, the crop may get damaged. Installing a drip irrigation system is beneficial—water is saved and the plants get the right amount.” Apart from this, use organic pesticides to protect against pests, so that the quality of the crop is maintained.

Method of cultivation: Easy and effective

Cucumber can be cultivated in two ways—direct sowing on the ground or the scaffolding method. Sowing on the ground is cheaper, but the scaffolding method gives more yield. In this, the plants are raised with the help of bamboo or wire, due to which the fruits are clean and of large size. About 5,000 to 7,000 plants can be planted in one acre, and each plant can give 2-3 kg of cucumber.

Talking about the cost, the cost of seeds, fertilizer and labor for one acre is Rs 20,000 to 30,000. If a scaffolding is made, the cost can increase a little to 50,000. But the profit is much more than this. Satish says, “Last year I did farming through scaffolding. I invested 40,000 rupees and earned 2.5 lakhs. Hard work was rewarded.”

Sale in the market: where and how?

Marketing of cucumber is not a difficult task. There is demand for it everywhere, from local markets to vegetable markets of big cities. Hotels, restaurants and juice centers are also big buyers of cucumber. Apart from this, it can be directly delivered to customers through online platforms and local delivery.

Delhi vegetable trader Mohan Lal says, “The demand for cucumber doubles in summer. Good quality cucumber is easily sold for 40-50 rupees per kg. If farmers sell directly, they will benefit more.” If you join the pickle industry, the way to earning more can open up.

What is the challenge and solution?

The biggest challenge in cucumber cultivation is the weather and pest attack. You may have to arrange for shade to protect the plants from scorching in the heat. Neem oil or organic medicines are effective for dealing with pests. Also, keep in mind the fluctuations in the market—prices may fall if there is excess supply. In such a situation, it is important to sell the crop at the right time.

Opportunity to change fortune

Cucumber farming is not just a business, but a way to fulfill a big dream at a low cost. Whether you have a small piece of land or a little courage, this crop can earn you lakhs. With the right planning, hard work and a little wisdom, you can make summer the turning point of your life. As Ajay Verma says, “Growing cucumber is easy, you just need to have a strong intention. This crop can turn your hard work into gold.”

Note: Before starting farming, consult the local agriculture department and take stock of the market. Would you also like to try this opportunity? Share your opinion with us!