Watermelon Seed Production Lower Than Forecasts
18-Sep-2025 07:03 PM
New Delhi. Although watermelon seed was sown on a larger area than last year in Rajasthan, the major producer state, excessive rainfall recently damaged the crop. Consequently, it is estimated that yields will be similar to last year. Due to increased sowing, it was previously estimated that yields would be 20-25 percent higher than last year. However, due to losses, production is expected to remain around last year's level of approximately 300,000 bags (each bag weighing 50-60 kg).
Mr. Vikas Soni of Vikas Udyog, Jodhpur, says that sporadic arrivals of new goods have begun, but the pressure of arrivals will only increase around Diwali. While it is true that the government has not permitted the import of watermelon seed during the current season, a significant amount has been imported through the Nepal border. Additionally, due to record imports during 2024-25, the supply of imported goods remained consistent in the market, preventing prices from rising significantly.
Fall in prices
Currently, prices of brain watermelon are being quoted with a decline due to low demand in the spot market due to the new crop. Furthermore, there is continued selling by speculators in the market, which has led to a decline of 50-60 rupees per kg in brain watermelon prices during the current month. However, sources say that the falling prices of brain watermelon should now stop. Due to the festivals of Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, buying should increase in the coming days. Due to this, trade estimates are being made for a rise in prices.
Fall in prices
Currently, the price of 7-star Sudan Jumbo is being quoted at 521 rupees per kg and 5-star Desi is being quoted at 500 rupees per kg in the Jodhpur market. Meanwhile, the price of Sudan watermelon is ₹550 per kg in the Delhi market. It's worth noting that at the beginning of this month, the price of 7-star Sudan jumbo was ₹580/₹585 in Jodhpur, and the price of Desi was ₹570, while the price in the Delhi market was ₹605. Sources say that with increasing demand, prices are likely to rise in the coming days. Because production is lower than forecasts, and there is no immediate possibility of imports. If the government allows imports in the coming days, prices are unlikely to rise.
Stocks
Due to record imports during 2024-25, the current stock of imported goods is estimated to be 14,000-15,000 tons, while the stock of Desi goods is estimated to be 2,000-3,000 tons.
Imports
According to data released by the government, a record 86,273 tons of watermelon and melon were imported during 2024-25 (April-March). Imports in 2023-24 were 35,750 tons. Furthermore, imports in 2022-23 were 65,989 tons, compared to 20,355 tons in 2021-22.