Farmers in Ganderbal reap benefits of Watermelon cultivation

Ganderbal, Aug 9: Kashmir’s fertile Ganderbal district, long celebrated for its grapes and cherries, is now making room for an unlikely summer guest — the watermelon.

Farmers in several villages of Ganderbal have begun cultivating the juicy fruit, drawn by its rising demand, promising returns, and the novelty of producing it in a region better known for apples and walnuts.

Horticulture and agriculture remain the backbone of Kashmir’s economy, with the valley renowned for its abundant produce of apples, apricots, cherries, walnuts, almonds, and other native fruits. In recent years, however, advances in technology and improvements in cultivation techniques have encouraged farmers to experiment with crops not traditionally grown in the region.

In central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district—famous for its grapes and cherries—farmers are now turning to watermelon cultivation. Villages such as Ahan, Batwina, Zazna, Waskura, and Khanpur in block Wakura have begun growing the fruit, which is gaining popularity for its health benefits, refreshing taste, and good market value.

Shabir Ahmed, a grower from the area, said he has been cultivating watermelons for the past three years. “If farmers are provided proper information, knowledge, and awareness, the crop can fetch good returns,” he said. While this year’s production was affected by changing weather and disease, Ahmed noted that overall income from the crop had been promising.

Another farmer expressed optimism about demand. “People in Kashmir relish watermelons during summer. We are hopeful they will prefer locally grown ones. If the horticulture or agriculture department provides us with more guidance, it will greatly help and could increase farmers’ income,” he said.

Watermelon cultivation, traditionally suited to hot and humid regions like Gujarat, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra, begins in March and April with seed sowing, often under greenhouse projects. The harvest, ready by July-August, allows farmers to prepare for subsequent crops, making it part of a sustainable cycle. Growers say this fruit is not available elsewhere in India during July-August, giving Kashmir an edge. “If production increases and more farmers join in, we could export watermelons to other states at attractive rates,” the farmer added.

Despite encouraging results, local sales have been affected by competition from watermelons brought in from other states. Farmers believe that with modern storage facilities and advanced technologies, the valley can ensure a steady supply and protect local market share.

Officials from the Agriculture Department told Greater Kashmir that around 50 hectares in Ganderbal—mainly in Batwina and nearby areas—are under watermelon cultivation. In recent years, the department, in collaboration with local farm owners, has introduced genetically modified seeds of several melon varieties, an experiment that has largely succeeded. They say local production could extend watermelon availability in the valley beyond the rest of India’s season, thanks to the region’s unique ripening cycle.