Farmers show interest in watermelon

​Nellore: Nelloreans are enjoying mouthwatering watermelons that give plenty of health benefits even during winter and area of the crop has also been increasing significantly.

• Nellore city is evincing good interest on the fruit and it is available in all seasons
• In 2011-12, the area of watermelon cultivation was 993 hectares and it increased to 1,128 hectares in 2013-14

In fact, Nellore is not only famous for rice cultivation but also for watermelon. As the district fall under semi-arid zone which receives rainfall during North East Monsoon and majority areas witness paucity of water till October/November. Farmers have practice of cultivating the fruit since beginning of 20th century who used to export the fruits to Madras city (Chennai).

Farmers started cultivating the crop in Penna Delta as they are fertile sandy soils that are highly suitable for watermelon crop. A recent study revealed that production and area of cultivation of watermelon crop in the district were increased. In the year 2011-12, the area of watermelon cultivation was 993 hectares and it increased to 1,128 hectares in 2013-14.

At many places around Nellore city, the farmers showed interest in cultivating this crop after seeing the growing patronage. Many mandals along the river from Anantasagaram to Allur mandal touching Nellore city and farmer prefer the crop in the sandy lands of the delta for moisture and required temperature for good yield.

“Watermelon is a warm, long-season crop and farmers can make good profits if they follow good cultivation methods and farm management. But, they are sensitive to cold, and even a mild frost that reduce yielding,” said agriculture scientist Dr Venkatewara Rao. Interestingly, these fruits are available in city at comfortable prices. Mouthwatering sweet watermelons are being sold at Rs. 16-25 per kg though scorching heat conditions have disappeared. Still, consumer love to have the fruit because of its health benefits and good taste.

“Watermelons are good for cardiovascular and bone health, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature, and they lower chances of getting cancer because of rich nutrients. People have misconceptions on sugar content in the fruit and they are very low when compared to other fruits,” said Dr VRK Reddy, a retired senior medical officer.

Though December is the right season for sowing farmers have been cultivating in all seasons. The area of cultivating is increasing significantly and the problem of pests and diseases found to be bit difficult for managing yield. “The cost of crop per acre exceeding Rs. 10,000-12,000. It is not viable for us if the cost increases more. So, fruits would naturally be bit expensive. We are also trying the new varieties and the efforts are to be materialized,” said A Ramana from Nellore rural mandal.

By P V Prasad