Ditch Bamboo: Kumod Kumar Recommends Durable Trellis Poles for 10-Year Farm Stability

• Kumod Kumar advises farmers to use durable poles instead of bamboo for vine crops like bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, and pointed gourd to prevent crop loss in strong winds and rain.
• Bamboo rots within one season due to moisture and soil contact, making it an unreliable choice for long-term trellis structures.
• Recommended alternatives include galvanized iron pipes (8-10 years life), precast cement poles, and angle iron for their strength and durability.
• Though initial costs are higher, these durable options prove more economical over time by eliminating the recurring expense of replacing bamboo.
• Key tips: bury poles 2.5-3 feet deep, space them 8-10 feet apart, use strong plastic-coated or GI wire, and apply anti-rust paint to iron poles for extended lifespan.