Watermelon Seed (Magaj) Production Lower Than Last Year; No Significant Price Decline Expected

New Delhi. New-season watermelon seeds (*magaj*) are currently arriving in the *mandis* (wholesale markets) of Rajasthan, a major producing state. However, due to a lower yield compared to last year, a significant drop in prices is unlikely.

It is noteworthy that the crop has suffered damage due to a lack of rainfall during the current season, leading to a decline in production compared to the previous year. While production in the country was estimated at 20,000–22,000 tonnes last year, it is projected to fall to 12,000–14,000 tonnes this year. Prior to 2023, national production typically stood at 30,000–32,000 tonnes, with prices hovering around 125–130 rupees. However, the civil war in Sudan in 2023 disrupted imports, causing prices in the Indian market to surge to a record high of 820–830 rupees during November–December 2023. Consequently, production rose to 42,000–45,000 tonnes in 2024. Although sowing has remained robust over the past two years, adverse weather conditions have constrained yields. Furthermore, imports have also declined.

No Significant Price Decline

Following a recent dip, prices for watermelon seeds have begun to climb again, rising by 10–15 rupees over the last two days. Market sources suggest that due to lower yields and the government’s decision not to grant import permits for the current financial year (2026–27), prices are expected to see a substantial increase in the near future. Currently, in Jodhpur, the price for '7-Star' Sudan-origin watermelon seeds is quoted at ₹620–640, with expectations that it may reach the ₹700 mark in the coming days.

Imports

Typically, the Department of Commerce (India) issues a notification regarding the import of watermelon seeds during the month of April; however, in the interest of farmers, no such notification has been issued this year. Nevertheless, unauthorized (unofficial) imports continue to take place. According to available information, imports of watermelon seeds reached a record 86,273 tonnes in 2024–25, which subsequently dropped to just 5,211 tonnes in 2025–26. Imports stood at 35,750 tonnes in 2023–24, while 65,989 tonnes were imported in 2022–23. In 2021–22, the import volume was 20,355 tonnes.