A field in Gaya has produced not the usual red watermelon this season but a yellow one, and that single switch is opening up a fresh source of profit for farmer Dharmendra Kumar. He planted the Aarohi variety, which yielded far more than the common red type. While an acre of red watermelon usually produces around 20 tonnes, this variety delivered 25 tonnes per acre.
A Higher Price and Heavy Demand in Siliguri
In the market, the yellow watermelon is selling for 5 rupees more per kilo than the red one. Its biggest buyer is the city of Siliguri in West Bengal, where demand is the strongest. Thanks to its distinct flavour and extra sweetness, the demand in markets keeps rising and farmers are fetching better prices for it.
Three Years of Experience, a First-Time Crop
Dharmendra Kumar has been farming red watermelon for the last 3 years, planting it across roughly 10 to 12 acres every year. This time he tried yellow watermelon for the first time, working under the guidance of Anil Mishra, a farmer from Hajipur. He sowed the crop on one acre and has already sold more than 2 lakh rupees worth of watermelon, with the harvest now close to finishing.
A 90-Day Crop, Hit by Late Sowing
The Aarohi variety is roughly a 90-day crop and begins fruiting within just 60 days of sowing. Planting it late this season took a toll on the yield. Anil Mishra, who advised Dharmendra Kumar, says that if the crop is put in the ground by 10 February, an acre can produce up to 25 tonnes.
Sweeter, Healthier and Easier to Store
According to Anil Mishra, the yellow watermelon is sweeter than the red variety and is also considered more beneficial for health. It carries several properties that are good for the body, and there is a noticeable difference in the taste of the two. Another advantage is its storage capacity, which is higher than that of the red watermelon.
A Precaution to Take After Harvesting
Anil Mishra also offers an important tip. He says the yellow watermelon should not be loaded onto a vehicle immediately after harvesting. Once picked, the fruit should be left in the sun for about four hours and only then loaded, otherwise the entire fruit can spoil.
