Blonde cucumber season kicks off in Kodungalloor, fields abuzz with activity

Kodungalloor: Kodungalloor is abuzz as the farming season as blonde cucumber, a crop that carries a GI tag, gets underway. In fields spanning within the municipality here and extending to nearby panchayats, farmers are preparing their fields to meet the peak summer demand. Celebrated as nature’s gift to the region, the blonde cucumber quenches thirst and relieves exhaustion during the scorching summer months. The farming season is now underway.

Within Kodungalloor municipality alone, the crop is cultivated on more than 50 acres. A single field at Arakkathazhathu near Lokamalleshwaram spans 13 acres. The plant begins sprouting 22 days after sowing, with harvest possible between 47 and 65 days. Demand peaks in summer, when the fruit’s juice provides natural relief from heat and hunger.

Beyond Kodungalloor, cultivation is active in nearby panchayats including Edavilangu, Sreenarayanapuram, Mathilakam, Vellangalloor, Kaypamangalam and Mala. Once ripe, the fruits are prone to bursting, which can lead to loss of liquid content. To prevent this, farmers often cover the fruits with fronds. Yields range from 6 to 12 tonnes per acre.

Blonde cucumber can be grown twice a year using organic manure, with natural methods also employed to ward off pests. Most buyers come from Malappuram, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts. The crop received its GI tag four years ago.

Farming is actively promoted by the Kodungalloor Haritha Sangham and the Kodungalloor Pottuvellari Karshaka Kshema Vikasana Samithi. According to Karshaka Sangham secretary Polassery Sivadasan, farmers have received a subsidy of ₹6,000 per acre over the past few years.

The crop was recommended for inclusion in the GI list during the tenure of former Agriculture Minister V S Sunilkumar. Blonde cucumber pairs well with a variety of flavour enhancers and is often enjoyed with coconut and sugar or jaggery.