Kuzhalmandam: Kunhan papaya, which was once active in the agricultural sector of Kerala and especially in Palakkad, is once again gaining popularity among farmers. Considering the market potential of papaya and its low maintenance cost, farmers have started cultivating baby papaya widely in their fields.
Cultivation method and characteristics
Kunhan papaya cultivation has started in Kuzhalmandam Bommannur area near Palakkad. Its main attraction is that it can be grown in both home and farm fields and is easy to harvest due to its short height. The growth of this variety is such that even children can easily pick the papaya.
Kunhan papaya of the red lady variety is currently the most popular. It can also be used as green and fruit which helps to maintain the demand in the market.
Benefits for farmers
Another advantage for farmers is that they can cultivate at low cost. Farmers benefit from being able to harvest with little or no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as having continuous yields once planted. Lower height also reduces harvesting costs using labor.
Papaya cultivation in Kerala once suffered a widespread decline due to a specific fungal disease. But good yields in areas that have survived the disease and the introduction of new varieties are reviving baby papaya cultivation.
