Watermelon Farming in India: Varieties, Guide & Benefits

A pirate of sorts, in green I’m dressed, Burying treasure, I confess, What am I, with a juicy chest? If you solve this riddle then it will be proof that you are a watermelon lover, watermelon is considered the treasure of being the juicy, edible part inside. 

In India, watermelons are associated with several unique traditions and uses beyond the mythological significance in Polali, Karnataka.

In Polali, a village near Mangalore, watermelons are steeped in myth. According to local legend, these watermelons symbolize the head of a demon named Rakthabeeja Sura, who was slain by the goddess Raja Rajeshwari. 

The story goes that the demon was allowed to live on in the watermelons grown in the region. These watermelons are distributed as 'prasadam' at the annual temple fair and are known for their unique taste and texture, attributed to the local soil. Beyond these mythological beliefs let us understand deeply about watermelons. 

Exploring dept of watermelons

Watermelons are classified as the type of berry called pepo which belongs to the  Cucurbitaceae family, which includes other popular fruits like cucumbers and melons. 

These watermelons are native to tropical Africa, specifically the region around Sudan, where their wild relatives still grow. 

Archaeological survey offers evidence from Egyptian art and text that it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years.

Watermelon is a trailing or climbing vine with stems that can grow up to 10 feet long. The plant of watermelon produces unisexual male and female flowers, which are white or yellow and borne on hairy stalks. 

In India, watermelons are typically grown during the warm season. It can grow little more in different months due to different climate conditions of various regions: 

• North India: Planting usually occurs in February and March.
• South India: In states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, planting happens from November to January.
• Northeastern and Western India: Planting occurs from November to January as well.

Watermelons are mostly produced in: 

• Uttar Pradesh
• Maharashtra
• Andhra Pradesh
• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Kerala: Although less common, watermelon cultivation has been successfully introduced in regions like Pathanamthitta.

Also Read: Muskmelon farming in india

Different varieties of watermelon

There are numerous varieties of watermelons, each with unique characteristics such as size, color, and sweetness. Here are some of the main and specific varieties:

       2.  Augusta: This watermelon is a hybrid developed by Syngenta, known for its high yield, uniform fruit size, and excellent adaptability. The sweetness level of watermelon ranges between 11%to 12% of brix. Typically weighs between 3 to 10 kg, depending on the source and thus, known for Good for Long Distance transportability. 

• This variety provides  an average yield of 18 metric tons per acre, depending on seasonal conditions and farming practices. Seed treatment for cropping requires Carbendazim 2g + Thiram 2 g per Kg of seeds.
• This crop variety grows  according to season for eg in kharif season it grows in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, in rai season it mainly grows in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar , Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh. 

      2.   Dragon king: The Dragon King watermelon is a hybrid variety known for its sweet and juicy flesh, durable rind, and prolific fruit set. The rind is light green with dark green stripes, while the flesh is bright red and crisp which is Typically ranges in weight from 8 to 12 kg.

• The plant type of this variety is classified as an Asian Jubili type watermelon and offers an average yield of 18 metric tons per acre, depending on seasonal conditions and farming practices. 
• These are mainly grown in  Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.This variety gets Matures in about 75 to 80 days after sowing, though some sources suggest 85-90 days.

      3.   Nadiya Rani: Nadiya Rani is known for its compact fruits, good crispiness, and high production capacity and is developed by popular watermelon variety Syngenta. The average weight ranges from 3 to 3.5 kg, making it suitable for personal consumption or small gatherings. 

• It has a very good shelf life, which is beneficial for storage and transportation also  noted for its high bearing capacity, making it a preferred choice for farmers seeking high yields. It is suitable for various climates and can be grown in different regions across India.
• It is a versatile and productive watermelon variety that offers a combination of sweetness, crispness, and durability, making it a popular choice among farmers and consumers alike.

Also Read: Strawberry farming in India

Step by step guide for watermelon cultivation 

For successful cultivation watermelons require proper guidance, here is an overview for the cultivation process. 

1. Soil preparation: the ideal soil for watermelon cultivation is sandy, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and further add  compost or aged manure to enrich the soil with nutrients. Till the soil to a depth of 12-15 inches to aerate it.
2. Nursery preparation: Use e polythene bags with 200 gauge, 10 cm diameter, 15 cm height or portrays with 98 cells for seeds then fill bags or portrays with a 1:1:1 mixture of red soil, sand, and farmyard manure and sow 1-2 seeds per cell.
3. Seed germination and transplantation: For better germination of seedsKeep the soil moist and warm that is around 70-80° F, which typically takes 5-10 days, and transplant seedlings to the main field when they are about 12 days old. 
4. Planting: Raised beds of 1.2 m width and 30 cm height and Plant seedlings at a distance of 60 cm between plants and 1.5 m between rows along with it,  use drip irrigation method for efficient watering to the crops. 
5. Using fertilizers and crop protectors: Apply a balanced fertilizer like 10-20-10 NPK every 2-3 weeks, and also regularly monitor for pests and diseases, using organic or chemical controls as needed.
6. Harvesting:  Watermelons are ready for harvest 11-17 weeks after planting. Harvest when the underside turns yellow and the rind is hard.
7. Storage of watermelons: The ideal storage temperature for watermelons is between 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) and can be stored for about 7-14 days at room temperature and up to 2-3 weeks under optimal refrigeration conditions. 

Also Read: Sweet Harvests: The Journey of Peach Farming in India

Benefits of eating watermelon 

1. Watermelons are rich in high antioxidants such as lycopene,ctrulline which help to reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases and converts to nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.
2. Watermelon is a nutritious and refreshing addition to a healthy diet, offering a range of benefits that support overall well-being. 
3. High water content and fiber help prevent constipation and support regular bowel movements which help to enhance the digestive health of the body. 
4. Vitamins A and C present in watermelons promote collagen production, reducing wrinkles and improving skin texture. Also citrulline in watermelon may reduce muscle soreness after exercise