Background:
Shelf life of present muskmelon varieties is very poor and it can remain on shelf for hardly 2 to 3 days and farmers are forced to sell their produce at throwaway price. Recently Sarda melon/ Sun melon /canary melon cultivation has been started in hilly region or in protected cultivation for off season but there is not any variety from public sector institutions. Technology Details:
Pusa Sarda will be a premium product in the market due to its superior fruit quality and year round availability which can fetch higher price in the market. Fruit quality is much superior in comparision to indigenous muskmelon varieties in crispiness of flesh, juiciness and sweetness. These fruits can be stored for 15-20 days under room temperature whereas other muskmelon variety cannot be stored for more than 1 to 2 days. These fruits can be transported to longer distance without any damage. It can be grown in protected cultivation in north Indian plains even in off season or in moderate climatic condition such as hilly region in warm and dry season. Farmers can get high price for their off season produce from protected cultivation of melon.