CalPhos Improves Capsicum Quality and Marketability

Ganesh Eknath Pansare farms 15 acres in Naigaon, Sinnar Tehsil, in India’s Nashik District, an area known for its commercial vegetable production. After more than a decade in farming, he has steadily shifted towards more modern and responsive methods of crop nutrition, focusing on improving quality, extending harvests, and accessing premium markets.

Precision Nutrition Under Shade Net Cultivation

Ganesh’s main crops are onion, cabbage, and capsicum (bell pepper). He grows capsicum under shade net on a 4-acre plot and is continually fine-tuning his nutrient strategy to meet the demands of this sensitive, high-value crop.

“Capsicum is particularly sensitive and requires a lot of micronutrients, and in particular needs more calcium than many other vegetables.”

Ganesh explains how capsicum needs regular calcium, especially during flowering and fruit development. If that calcium isn’t supplied in the right form and at the right time, then the quality suffers.

To meet these needs, Ganesh uses ICL’s CalPhos (0-57-17 + 7CaO), a premium water-soluble calcium, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. He began applying CalPhos 50 days after planting, at the flowering stage, and every 15 days through the fruit development stage.

Quality Improvements that Lead to Higher Returns

Ganesh reports that using CalPhos led to multiple improvements in plant performance and fruit quality.

“The calcium oxide in CalPhos is highly available to the plant. It gives me stronger stems, better fruit size, and an attractive shine and gloss.”

He also found that the formulation’s high phosphorus and zero nitrogen content helped manage internodal spacing, keeping the crop compact and productive over a longer period. As a result, Ganesh has been able to harvest his capsicum crop for up to nine months, significantly extending his harvest window.

Meeting the Demands of the Premium Retail Market

Thanks to the consistent quality of his produce, Ganesh sells his capsicum for a premium at market, where fruit appearance and shelf life are critical. He credits ICL’s CalPhos for helping him meet these quality standards season after season.

“The quality and purity of ICL’s fertilizers means they dissolve really well in water. They’ve helped me get strong results and I believe they are a big part of my success.”

CalPhos gives Ganesh Pansare’s capsicum crops stronger stems, better fruit size, and an attractive shine and gloss.