Mysuru: With summer setting in and temperatures steadily rising, watermelons are witnessing brisk sales across Mysuru city. As the mercury climbs past 34 degrees Celsius, residents are increasingly turning to seasonal fruits and fresh juices to beat the heat and stay hydrated.
Vendors selling watermelons have set up stalls along prominent roads, junctions and residential localities, stocking heaps of the red-fleshed fruit to cater to the growing demand. The fruit, synonymous with summer, is currently being sold at ₹30 to ₹40 per kg, but traders expect prices to increase in the coming weeks as demand intensifies.
Rising temperatures drive demand
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), daytime temperatures in Mysuru are expected to hover between 33 and 34.5 degrees Celsius this week, while night temperatures are likely to remain between 20 and 21 degrees Celsius. The IMD has also forecast dry weather conditions, with no rainfall expected in the coming days.
Morning relative humidity is predicted to range between 63% and 65%, while afternoon humidity levels may drop to around 36% to 38%. With the absence of rain and increasing heat, residents are seeking ways to keep themselves cool and hydrated.
Healthcare experts have been advising people to consume more fluids and water-rich fruits to prevent dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Watermelon, being rich in water content and essential nutrients, has naturally become a preferred choice.
Supply from neighbouring regions
Local vendors said that most watermelons reaching Mysuru are sourced from Hunsur taluk, particularly Bilikere and surrounding areas. The fruit is also cultivated in Periyapatna in Mysuru district, as well as in Pandavapura, Malavalli and Nagamangala taluks of Mandya district. Gundlupet in Chamarajanagar district is another key cultivation zone.
Suresha, a vendor selling watermelons on KRS Road, said that wholesale traders also procure stocks from Andhra Pradesh during peak summer when local supply falls short of demand.
“There is a great demand during March, April and May. People prefer watermelons because they are affordable and help cool the body,” he said.
Varieties available in market
Traders in Mysuru said three main varieties of watermelons are currently available in the market.
The Namadhari variety, identified by its striped outer skin, is larger in size and typically weighs between 10 and 12 kg. The Kirana and Sugar Queen varieties are dark green in colour, comparatively smaller and usually weigh between four and five kg.
Gopal, another fruit vendor, said the current retail price ranges from ₹30 to ₹40 per kg depending on size and quality. “As temperatures rise further and demand goes up, prices may increase slightly,” he added.
Fitness trends boost fruit consumption
Residents say that apart from quenching thirst, watermelons are popular among those following diet and fitness routines. Keerthana, a resident of Brindavan Extension, said many people are opting for fruits such as watermelon, muskmelon, oranges and grapes during summer as part of weight-loss and detox diets.
“With more awareness about healthy eating, fruits are in high demand during summer. They are light, refreshing and easy to digest,” she said.
Doctors issue caution
While demand continues to surge, doctors have cautioned residents against consuming cut fruits sold on roadsides. Health experts warn that exposed fruits may be vulnerable to contamination, leading to diarrhoea, viral infections and even outbreaks of seasonal diseases.
Medical practitioners have advised the public to purchase fresh, uncut fruits and wash them thoroughly before consumption. They also emphasised the importance of drinking adequate water, wearing light cotton clothing, covering the head and using umbrellas while stepping out during peak afternoon hours.
Conclusion
As Mysuru braces for a hotter summer ahead, watermelons have emerged as the fruit of choice for many residents seeking relief from the heat. With temperatures expected to remain high and no rainfall in sight, demand for seasonal fruits is likely to remain strong in the coming weeks. However, authorities and health experts continue to stress the need for safe consumption practices and adequate hydration to stay healthy during the summer months.