Pumpkin: Huge Potential for Smallholder Farmers

Pumpkin can be a transformative crop for smallholder farmers. Pumpkins are relatively easy and inexpensive to grow, and they have excellent nutritional value and a long shelf life, increasing their market potential.

The Pumpkins in Africa project, implemented by East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation (EWS-KT) in Uganda, has elevated pumpkin as a marketable and profitable crop for the country’s farmers. We are committed to driving this opportunity not only in Uganda but also in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Tanzania.

Pumpkin expansion in eastern India began in earnest in 2022, catalyzed by EWS-KT farmer training in Odisha state. Looking ahead, we also see considerable potential in pumpkin production for smallholder farmers in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Below are some of the many factors that make pumpkin farming an attractive business opportunity for smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia.

High nutritional value & food versatility

All parts of the pumpkin plant are edible—the leaves, vines, flowers, and fruits (skin, flesh, and seeds). Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food, containing an array of vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants, protein, and fiber.

Because harvested pumpkins can be stored for months, pumpkin availability can increase families’ food security. In addition, the seeds and flesh can be dried for later consumption, or can be ground into flour or powder for use in food products. 

Low maintenance & high climate resilience

Pumpkin is fairly easy to grow and manage. This makes it a good crop for both experienced and less experienced farmers, as well as those (often women) who have less time available to farm.

The pest and disease resistance found in high-quality pumpkin varieties enables farmers to use far less pesticide, or to rely solely on alternative pest management methods. Pumpkin also shows high resilience when faced with environmental stresses such as drought, salinity (a common challenge in Bangladesh), and extreme temperatures—making it a climate-smart choice for farmers.

Low investment cost

Pumpkin requires a relatively small financial investment. Increased pest and disease resistance found in high-quality varieties mean less money spent on pesticides, and low fertilization requirements reduce fertilizer costs. In some areas, pumpkin is also a good candidate for intercropping with perennial crops, reducing the need to secure additional land.

All of these factors can make pumpkin an especially good choice for women, who generally have fewer resources and less access to land.

Short time to maturity 

The shorter time until harvest (about 4 months) for high-quality pumpkin varieties means that farmers can earn a return on their investment more quickly. Some farmers also sell the pumpkin leaves, providing an additional and earlier source of income.

Fast-growing pumpkin varieties are well suited to shorter growing seasons—an increasing concern in areas where climate change and shifting weather patterns are reducing the length of time for vegetable production.

Scaling up, or staying small

In areas with sufficient market demand, there is significant opportunity to be found in scaling up pumpkin production. Since pumpkin is a low-maintenance crop, farmers with access to larger plots of (rented) land are able to grow pumpkins more easily than other, higher-maintenance vegetables. Smallholder farmers in Odisha, India, for example, typically expand their pumpkin farming to 1 to 5 acres, with some farmers scaling much higher.

At the same time, a smaller pumpkin plot—where farmers can more intensively manage their crop and can apply more of the improved techniques that EWS-KT shares—can provide a higher profit per square meter.

Transportability & long shelf life 

High-quality pumpkin varieties are robust enough to withstand long journeys, expanding market access. Their months-long shelf life also lowers financial risk and increases farmers’ income, as traders and farmers have more flexibility to wait for a favorable market.

Large & expanding markets 

Pumpkins are ideal for both the fresh market and for processing. Their ability to withstand long-distance transportation and months of storage further widens market opportunities.

In some countries in Africa and Asia, there is already a large demand for quality pumpkins; in other countries, demand is growing. Based on pumpkin’s nutritional profile and wide range of uses, the market potential is immense—and EWS-KT will continue to equip smallholder farmers with the skills and knowledge to capitalize on this opportunity.