VFPCK (Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam), established in 2001 as the successor to the Kerala Horticulture Development Programme, is a government-backed entity by the Agriculture Department. Its mission is to support and uplift vegetable and fruit cultivation in Kerala through quality planting materials, training, marketing support, and allied agricultural services Reddit +14 VFPCK +14 VFPCK Online +14 .
🍈 Bitter Gourd Seeds – Preethi Variety
Product Highlights:
- Variety: Preethi , a high-yielding and transport-friendly cultivar offered by VFPCK VFPCK Online VFPCK
- Appearance: Fruits display a light green to white hue with sharp, attractive spines; medium size averaging around 300 grams each VFPCK +4 VFPCK Online +4 VFPCK Online +4
- Yield Estimates: Approximately 60 kg per cent (i.e., per 100 sq ft) under optimal conditions Kerala Horticulture Mission +2 VFPCK +2 VFPCK +2
Cultivation Details:
- Seed Packet: 10 g pack priced at ₹25 (also available in 50 g at ₹105 per pack, equivalent to ₹2100/kg) VFPCK +5 VFPCK Online +5 VFPCK +5
- Soaking Instructions: Seeds should be soaked in water for 6–8 hours before sowing to ensure better germination VFPCK Online
- Sowing Season: Ideal sowing periods are June to August and September to December in Kerala’s climate VFPCK +5 VFPCK Online +5 Kerala Horticulture Mission +5
- Seed Rate & Spacing: Use 25–30 g per cent with plant spacing of approximately 2 m × 2 m Kerala Horticulture Mission +3 VFPCK Online +3 VFPCK Online +3
Additional Features:
- The Preethi variety is selected for its robust vine, superior fruit retention, and suitability for transport and sale in local markets VFPCK Kerala Horticulture Mission
✅ Why Choose VFPCK Bitter Gourd Seeds?
- Trusted Quality & Affordability: As a government-supported initiative, VFPCK ensures reliable, locally tailored seeds at highly affordable rates for smallholder and homestead farmers Reddit +12 VFPCK +12 VFPCK Online +12
- Regional Adaptation: The Preethi variety is especially adapted to Kerala’s climate, offering sprouts aligned with local cropping seasons and soil conditions Kerala Horticulture Mission VFPCK
- Support & Accessibility: Seeds are offered through VFPCK outlets, district farmer markets across Kerala, and direct delivery within the state VFPCK Online VFPCK
📋 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Variety | Preethi |
| Fruit Size | Medium (~300 g) |
| Fruit Characteristics | Light green/white with sharp spines |
| Seed Treatment | Soak 6–8 hrs before planting |
| Sowing Season | June–Aug, Sept–Dec |
| Seed Rate | 25–30 g per cent |
| Spacing | 2 m × 2 m |
| Yield Estimate | Approx. 60 kg per cent |
| Pack Sizes | 10 g at ₹25; 50 g at ₹105 |
In Practice
Farmers across Kerala, supported by VFPCK and Krishi Bhavans, frequently utilize the Preethi variety in seasonal vegetable drives such as the state’s “Onathinu Oru Muram Pachakkari” initiative, where bitter gourd seeds are distributed widely to promote home cultivation and food security
In short, VFPCK’s Bitter Gourd (Preethi) seeds offer an excellent blend of yield potential, adaptability to Kerala’s climate, and affordability backed by institutional support—making them a go-to for kitchen gardens and commercial cultivation alike.
