Yellow Pumpkins at Dona Eco Farms:
At Dona Eco Farms, our journey with organic farming has always been about more than just growing crops. It’s about discovering new varieties, experimenting with unique produce, and sharing the joy of fresh, wholesome food with friends, family, and the community. One such exciting adventure began when we encountered a special variety of yellow pumpkins: Arka Suryamukhi.
While browsing through the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) portal, Bangalore, we were looking for something different to grow on our farm. That’s when the yellow pumpkins caught our attention. Their description—round with pressed ends, orange-red rind with white stripes, and resistant to fruit flies—was intriguing. The very thought of adding such a vibrant and unique crop to our farm felt like the perfect opportunity to diversify and enrich our organic practices. Without hesitation, we placed an order online and eagerly awaited the arrival of the seeds.
When the seeds arrived, it felt like the start of a new adventure. We carefully chose a vacant spot near our well, knowing that water access would be crucial, especially during the hot months. The idea of growing these pumpkins organically was a priority for us, so we dug small pits and mixed in farmyard manure (FYM) to enrich the soil naturally. Everything about this project was done with love and attention to detail, as is our practice with all the crops we grow at Dona Eco Farms.
The early days of planting are always a mix of anticipation and excitement. We tended to the seeds daily, eager to see the first signs of life emerging from the soil. Day by day, we watched the plants sprout, then grow taller and stronger, and soon they began sprawling across the field. Every morning, walking to that part of the farm brought us immense joy, knowing that something special was on its way.
The Arka Suryamukhi pumpkins did not disappoint. As they began to take shape, their striking orange-red rinds with white stripes brought a sense of satisfaction that words can hardly describe. Seeing them grow was like watching a dream come to life. We couldn’t help but imagine what they would taste like, having never tried this variety before. It was a beautiful experience to witness the pumpkins mature, their round shapes and vibrant colors a stark contrast against the green landscape of our farm.
Finally, harvest day arrived, and we were overjoyed. The pumpkins were small, healthy, and abundant. We couldn’t wait to bring them to the kitchen. As soon as we did, we prepared a simple dish, cooking the yellow pumpkins just as we would with regular ones. The result? Delicious, flavorful, and wholesome. It was everything we had hoped for and more.
The satisfaction of cooking and enjoying the pumpkins was only half the joy. The other half was sharing them with the people we love. We distributed some to our friends and relatives, who had never seen or tasted yellow pumpkins before. Their curiosity was palpable, and the common question was always: “How do we cook this?” With a smile, we would reply, “Just like regular pumpkins!” And sure enough, their feedback was overwhelmingly positive—they loved the taste, and the experience of trying something new was exciting for them.
For anyone considering growing yellow pumpkins, I cannot recommend the Arka Suryamukhi variety enough. Not only is it resistant to fruit flies and thrives organically, but its vibrant color and unique taste make it a standout addition to any farm or garden. Growing these pumpkins was deeply rewarding, and the outcome exceeded our expectations.
Recent Post: The Journey of Dona Eco Farms: From Barren Land to Lush Green Paradise
If you’re inspired to grow your own yellow pumpkins, you can order the seeds from the IIHR seed portal in Bangalore, just like we did. Growing them will not only add beauty to your farm but also bring a delightful new flavor to your kitchen. At Dona Eco Farms, our experience with Arka Suryamukhi pumpkins has been one of discovery, growth, and joy—an organic journey that we’re proud to share with you.