Watermelon cultivators in coastal Karnataka are reeling under heavy financial losses this season, attributed to erratic weather, weak demand, and exploitation by intermediaries. Despite widespread cultivation across 225 to 260 acres in Udupi, Kaup, Brahmavar, Byndoor, Kundapur, and the Vandse-Kota belt, farmers are unable to reap expected profits.
The initial harvest, which began in January, was followed by a second wave starting mid-April. However, due to all farmers harvesting at once during the first phase, the markets were flooded with produce, drastically lowering prices. Hopes for better returns in the second round, driven by rising summer temperatures, were dashed by untimely rains and price manipulation by middlemen.
While consumers pay up to Rs 20 per kilogram in retail markets, middlemen are offering farmers as little as Rs 6–7 per kg. Even premium varieties bring only Rs 11–Rs 16 per kg now—barely covering production costs. In comparison, the January harvest fetched a marginally better rate of Rs 15–16 per kg.
The rains have caused widespread spoilage in fields, with many watermelons cracking or rotting if not harvested immediately. Disheartened by diminishing returns and poor market infrastructure, several farmers are choosing to abandon their crops altogether.
Some have turned to direct roadside sales, where they can fetch Rs 18 per kg, but this workaround is viable only for a few. With losses mounting, growers are now urging authorities to introduce fair pricing mechanisms and better market access to prevent the decline of watermelon cultivation in the region.
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