Vegetables to grow in april in Aligarh up | Block-Wise Vegetable Guide
Are you a farmer from Aligarh, up (UP)? In April, in blocks like Akrabad, Atrauli, Bijoli, Chharra, Dhanipur, Gangiri, Gonda, Iglas, Jawan, Khair, Lodha, Tappal, the usual standing or harvest-ready crops are Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Muskmelon, Watermelon, Sponge Gourd. Some farmers are preparing nursery beds for Chilli, Brinjal, Tomato, Early Cauliflower, Capsicum.
In many areas, fresh leafy crops like Amaranth, Coriander, Spinach are also being sown. This is the Zaid season, with hot and dry weather after the Rabi harvest, so regular irrigation is crucial for crop survival and growth. So your planning now will decide your profits in May–June.
We have prepared a farmer’s guide for Aligarh district for the month of April. This guide explains:
- Which crops should be sown now,
- Which crops should be raised in nurseries and when to transplant them,
- Which seeds can be sown directly without nurseries, and
- When nursery plants should be transplanted if they are ready.
You will get this information block-wise in the guide so you can easily decide what to do in April according to your area.
What fields typically look like early april
- Standing/harvest crops: Sugarcane, mustard, wheat, and potato are still in the fields, ready for harvest.
- Nursery beds: Okra, tomato, brinjal, and chilli seedlings are being raised for timely transplanting.
- Fresh leafy crops: Spinach, fenugreek, and coriander sowing has started, ensuring early availability of greens.
- Pulses/cash crops: Urad and groundnut continue in suitable upland and irrigated areas.
👉 Overall, in early april, fields in Aligarh show a mix of standing vegetables, nurseries, new leafy sowings, and pulse/cash crops.
What to start now (April)
Direct sowing (seeds directly in the field):
Okra, beans, cucumber, pumpkin, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, sponge gourd, and summer squash.
✅ Benefit – These vegetables grow quickly in warm weather and provide a good income.
Nursery preparation (for later transplanting):
Prepare nurseries for cucurbitaceous vegetables like watermelon, muskmelon, and round melon.
✅ Benefit – Ensures timely availability of seedlings for transplanting after the monsoon starts.
Transplanting (nursery → main field):
Transplant early sown cucurbitaceous vegetable seedlings.
✅ Benefit – Early harvest fetches better prices in the market.
Summer crops (if irrigation available):
Continue sowing summer crops like green gram, black gram, and sesame.
✅ Benefit – Provides additional income and improves soil health.
Fodder crops (for livestock):
Sow fodder crops like maize, sorghum, and pearl millet.
✅ Benefit – Ensures availability of nutritious fodder for livestock during the summer months.
👉 In this way, by planning direct sowing, nurseries, transplanting, summer crops, and fodder crops in April in Aligarh, farmers can increase their income.
Let’s Start in April – Crop + Method + Advantage
Crop |
How to Plant (Method & Spacing) |
Advantage for Farmers |
Okra (Bhindi) |
Direct sowing; rows 45-60 cm apart; plant 15-20 cm apart |
Fast growth; high demand in Aligarh markets |
Bottle Gourd (Lauki) |
Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep; space 60-90 cm apart |
Good yield; suitable for trellis farming in Aligarh |
Cucumber (Kheera) |
Direct sowing; plant 2.5 cm deep in rows 90-120 cm apart |
Short duration crop; good returns in local markets |
Green Gram (Moong) |
Direct sowing; rows 30-45 cm apart; use seed rate of 10-12 kg/ha |
Nitrogen-fixing; improves soil health; quick harvest in Aligarh |
Cluster Bean (Guar) |
Direct sowing; rows 45-60 cm apart; seed rate of 15-20 kg/ha |
Drought-tolerant; requires less water; good market price |
Sorghum (Jowar) - Fodder |
Direct sowing; broadcast or line sowing; ensure good moisture |
Excellent fodder for livestock; supports dairy farming in Aligarh |
Cowpea (Lobia) - Fodder |
Direct sowing; rows 30-45 cm apart; can also be intercropped |
Nutritious fodder; enriches soil; multiple cuttings possible |
Sunflower |
Direct sowing; rows 60 cm apart; plant spacing 20 cm |
Oilseed crop; good market demand; suitable for Aligarh conditions |
Sesame (Til) |
Direct sowing; broadcast or line sowing; ensure good drainage |
High-value oilseed; good export potential; adapted to local climate |
Block-Wise Snapshot (Quick View)
Block |
Sow Now |
Transplant |
Pest Watch |
Irrigation Tip |
Iglas |
Okra, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd |
Chili, Tomato |
Fruit fly in cucurbits |
Irrigate early morning/late evening |
Khair |
Sponge Gourd, Amaranthus |
Brinjal, Tomato |
Whitefly in vegetables |
Apply light irrigation |
Jawan Sikandarpur |
Cowpea, Cluster Bean |
Okra, Bottle Gourd |
Aphids in beans |
Avoid waterlogging |
टप्पल (Tappal) |
Cucumber, Pumpkin |
Tomato, Chili |
Red pumpkin beetle |
Use drip irrigation |
खैर (Khair) |
Ridge Gourd, Round Gourd |
Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower |
Diamondback moth in cabbage |
Check soil moisture regularly |
गंगीरी (Gangiri) |
Spinach, Fenugreek |
Tomato, Chili |
Thrips in chili |
Irrigate at critical stages |
धनीपुर (Dhanipur) |
Coriander, Radish |
Brinjal, Tomato |
Fruit borer in tomato |
Use mulch to conserve moisture |
अतरौली (Atrauli) |
Carrot, Turnip |
Tomato |
Leaf miner in vegetables |
Water deeply but less frequently |
चंडौस (Chandaus) |
Amaranthus, Okra |
Brinjal, Cabbage |
Shoot and fruit borer in okra |
Monitor soil moisture |
Block-Wise Recommendations (Detailed)
🌾 Akrabad Block
- Sow now: Bottle gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd, bitter gourd.
- Prepare seedlings: Okra, cucumber, watermelon.
- How & Why:
- These summer vegetables can withstand high temperatures.
- Early sowing ensures good yield before monsoon.
- Advantage: High demand in local markets during summer.
🌾 Atrauli Block
- Sow now: Okra, cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon.
- Irrigation: Ensure regular irrigation for existing crops.
- How & Why:
- Okra grows well in warm conditions; needs consistent moisture.
- Watermelon and muskmelon need sandy loam soil and ample sunlight.
- Advantage: Early summer harvest avoids pest attacks.
🌾 Bijoli Block
- Sow now: Green gram (Moong), black gram (Urad).
- Pest control: Monitor for aphids and whiteflies in vegetable crops.
- How & Why:
- Moong and Urad fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting subsequent crops.
- Timely pest control prevents significant yield loss.
- Advantage: Pulses improve soil fertility and provide additional income.
🌾 Chharra Block
- Sow now: Cowpea (Lobiya), cluster bean (Guar).
- Weed control: Manage weeds in vegetable fields regularly.
- How & Why:
- Cowpea and cluster bean are drought-tolerant and need less water.
- Weed control is crucial for nutrient availability to the main crop.
🌾 Dhanipur Block
- Sow now: Amaranthus (Chaulai), spinach, fenugreek.
- Harvest: Harvest early sown vegetables.
- How & Why:
- Short duration crops provide quick returns.
- Regular harvesting maintains the productivity of the plants.
- Advantage: Quick cash flow with short duration vegetables.
🌾 Gangiri Block
- Sow now: Bitter gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin.
- Support: Provide support for climbing vegetables.
- How & Why:
- Trellising improves air circulation and reduces disease incidence.
- Cucurbits thrive in warm weather with proper support.
- Advantage: Better quality and higher yield with proper plant support.
🌾 Gonda Block
- Sow now: Ladyfinger (Okra), Sponge gourd (Turai).
- Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer dose for all vegetables.
- How & Why:
- Okra and Sponge gourd grow well in Aligarh's climate.
- Proper fertilization ensures healthy plant growth and fruit development.
- Advantage: High yield with proper care and fertilization.
🌾 Iglas Block
- Sow now: Cucumber, Watermelon, Musk Melon.
- Water management: Avoid waterlogging in the field.
- How & Why:
- These crops are sensitive to waterlogging.
- Proper drainage is essential for healthy root development.
- Advantage: Preventing root rot and fungal diseases due to waterlogging.
🌾 Jawan Block
- Sow now: Summer Squash, Peppers (Capsicum & Chillies).
- Mulching: Use organic mulch to conserve moisture.
- How & Why:
- Mulching reduces evaporation and weed growth.
- Summer squash and peppers benefit from consistent soil moisture.
- Advantage: Conserves water and reduces the need for frequent irrigation.
🌾 Khair Block
- Sow now: Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli (seedlings).
- Intercropping: Intercrop with legumes for nitrogen fixation.
- How & Why:
- Legumes improve soil fertility for the main vegetable crop.
- Tomato, Brinjal, and Chilli can be transplanted now for good yield.
- Advantage: Increased productivity and improved soil health.
🌾 Lodha Block
- Sow now: Spinach, Coriander, Fenugreek, Radish.
- Thinning: Perform thinning in dense vegetable crops.
- How & Why:
- Thinning promotes better growth of individual plants.
- Leafy vegetables can be harvested early for quick income.
- Advantage: Better yield and quality of vegetables.
🌾 Tappal Block
- Sow now: Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Sponge gourd.
- Soil Preparation: Ensure well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- How & Why:
- Cucurbits need well-drained soil.
- Organic matter improves water retention and nutrient availability.
- Advantage: Healthy plant growth and higher yields.
Pest Watch & Irrigation Tips
Key pests to watch for Aligarh (April)
- Okra: Fruit borer, Jassids, Whitefly
- Cucurbits (gourds/cucumber): Fruit fly, Red pumpkin beetle, Powdery mildew
- Tomato/Brinjal: Fruit borer, Jassids, Mites
- Chilli: Thrips, Mites, Whitefly
Simple actions:
- Scout twice a week. Check undersides of leaves and growing tips.
- Remove and destroy infested fruits/leaves/plants.
- Use pheromone traps for fruit/borer insects and keep fields clean of weeds.
- Follow label-recommended sprays only when needed; rotate sprays to avoid resistance.
Irrigation for Aligarh (April)
- Give light irrigation every 3–5 days, especially for new plantings (soil-moisture based).
- Water in early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use mulching (dry leaves/straw/plastic where feasible) to save moisture and control weeds.
- Prefer drip or furrow irrigation for gourds, tomato, and chilli where possible to save water.
Conclusion
April in Aligarh is all about smart summer management:
- Continue active harvesting of early-sown summer cucurbits, okra, and brinjal.
- Ensure critical and timely irrigation for all standing crops, especially during hot spells.
- Timely transplant brinjal, chilli, and early kharif tomato seedlings from your nursery.
- Direct sow quick-growing summer greens like Amaranthus (chaulai) or legumes like cowpea for sustained income.
- Stay vigilant against summer pests and diseases, applying preventive measures as needed.
If you follow these steps—focusing on continuous harvest, smart water management, and timely replanting for the next cycle—you’ll ensure a steady income through the hot months and set a strong foundation for the upcoming monsoon season.