Cauliflower, which is being cultivated only in hilly regions and in places where the temperature falls below 20 degrees, has been successfully cultivated by a few farmers of Bungalow Surandai near Alangulam in the district.
Cauliflower is the most popular cole crop among the winter vegetables. The crop is mainly cultivated for its white tender head called ‘curd’. It is rich in protein and vitamin C and A. It also contains minerals like potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium.
Cauliflower could be cultivated in almost all types of soils with good fertility and drainage. Soil with slight acidic to neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0 gives better crop. Cauliflower needs specific temperature and photoperiod for better curd development.
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Taking advantage of the chill climate prevailing in their areas during this season, six farmers from Bungalow Surandai have cultivated cauliflower in smaller areas on a trial basis and are about to reap the benefits with the crop showing excellent growth.
The optimum temperature for cauliflower ranges from 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius in September to October. Based on the temperature, the Indian cauliflower is grouped in the tropical type and the other called as ‘snowball’ type. The tropical types form curd at 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius while the other type needs 10 degree Celsius to 16 degree Celsius for curd formation. The tropical types are resistant to water-logging and heat to some extent.
“Our trial has yielded better results as we’re selling cauliflower at Rs 15 per kilogram to traders. We’ll certainly increase the area in the next season,” said Socrates, one of the farmers who have cultivated cauliflower.
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Deputy Director of Horticulture S. Raja Mohamed, who visited these farms recently, said cauliflower cultivation would certainly be encouraged next year in other areas having similar climatic conditions.
“Our trial has yielded better results as we’re selling cauliflower at Rs 15 per kg
to traders”