Watermelon farming blooms in Ganderbal amid grapes and cherries legacy

Ganderbal, Aug 18: The horticulture and agriculture sectors are the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's economy, generating crores of rupees in revenue each year.

While the valley is renowned for its abundant production of apples, apricots, cherries, walnuts, almonds, and other native fruits, local farmers are now venturing into new crops, thanks to advancements in technology and modern cultivation techniques.

One such innovation is the cultivation of watermelons in the Ganderbal district, which is historically known for its exceptional varieties of grapes and cherries.

In several areas of Ganderbal, including Ahan, Batwin, Zazna, Waskura, and Khanpur villages in the Wakura block, farmers have successfully started growing watermelons.

This juicy fruit, celebrated worldwide for its health benefits and delicious flavour, is yielding promising returns for farmers, as the trend of watermelon cultivation continues to gain momentum.

Shabir Ahmed, a local farmer, has been growing watermelons for the past three years.

Initially an experiment, the crop has proven to be lucrative.

“If farmers are provided with the right information, knowledge, and awareness, watermelon cultivation could significantly boost incomes,” he said.

However, he noted that this year’s prolonged dry spell had impacted the yield.

Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the demand for locally grown watermelons.

“Kashmiris love relishing watermelons in summer, and we hope that people will prefer locally cultivated produce,” he said.

Another farmer highlighted the potential for increased income if the horticulture and agriculture departments provide further support and guidance on watermelon farming.

“Traditionally, watermelon grows in hot and humid regions like Gujarat, Bangalore, and Maharashtra. Here, the seeds are sown in March and April under greenhouse projects, and by July-August, we are ready for harvest. During this period, watermelons aren’t available elsewhere in India, which gives us a unique advantage,” he said.

The farmer expressed hope that with increased output and more farmers joining the initiative, Ganderbal could soon export its watermelons to other parts of India, fetching attractive prices in the market.

Chief Agriculture Officer Ganderbal, Shahnawaz Ahmad, confirmed that this was the first time watermelons were being grown commercially in the district.

He praised the potential of the crop to be grown as an intercrop, adding that Kashmiri watermelons could soon become an export item due to their unique taste and off-season availability.

Agriculture department officials revealed that around 50 hectares of land in the Batwina and surrounding areas are now dedicated to watermelon cultivation.

In recent years, the department has collaborated with local farmers to introduce genetically modified seeds of various melon varieties, an experiment that has largely proven successful.

The staggered ripening and reaping season in Kashmir could keep watermelons available in the Valley even after the peak season ends in other parts of India, making it a valuable addition to the region’s agricultural offerings.

As the cultivation of watermelons in Ganderbal continues to grow, farmers remain hopeful that with the right support and infrastructure, this new venture could not only enhance their income but also put Kashmiri watermelons on the national map.