As summer temperatures rise, the demand for refreshing fruits and fruit-based drinks is expected to surge. Anticipating this, farmers across Byndoor constituency, including Kirimanjeshwar, Nagoor, Navunda, Khambadakone, and Heranjalu, have increased their watermelon cultivation. Compared to last year, this season has seen a significant expansion in the area under cultivation. While 147 acres of watermelon were grown in 2024, this year, the cultivation has expanded to 183 acres. The majority of this farming is concentrated in Byndoor hobli, with additional patches in Vandse and Kundapur hoblis. For many farmers in the region, watermelon farming has become a primary livelihood.

Watermelons, which require ample sunlight, thrived last year with favorable yields and market prices. This season, the Melody variety is priced at Rs 12 per kg in fields, while the Namdhari variety is expected to fetch Rs 15–16 per kg. Prices are likely to fluctuate with market demand.

In Byndoor taluk, 183 acres are dedicated to watermelon farming, with Nagoor alone contributing 80 acres. Other regions involved include Herur (25 acres), Heranjalu (20 acres), Bijoor (15 acres), and several others. The region exports watermelons to neighboring districts and states every year.

In Kirimanjeshwar, farmers have leased 3.5 acres for watermelon cultivation, planting Namdhari on 1.5 acres and Melody on 2 acres. The harvested crop has already been sold at Rs 17 per kg, with further produce expected to be sold soon. Sudha Balgaar, a local farmer, mentioned, “With high demand expected this summer, we have already planted a second phase of crops.”

To support this thriving sector, the horticulture department provides financial aid of Rs 20,000 per hectare for watermelon farming, with an additional Rs 16,000 per hectare for plastic mulching. The department has set a target to expand cultivation by 10 hectares this year. Applications have been received for 8 hectares, and subsidies are already being disbursed.