Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Apr 11: Though watermelon crop has given rich yields this year, the growers are suffering as the market price is very low.

Watermelon is one of the important crops that is grown in Kota Hobali area of the taluk. Due to Covid, the fruit could not be exported to other districts and states and the farmers suffered huge losses. Though this year, the yield is high, middlemen are buying the same for very low prices, according to the accusation made by the growers.

M Jayarama Shetty, progressive farmer of Kota Manoor has grown watermelon this year too in his farm. He has got more than 20 tonnes of yield on his one and a half acre of land. Though there is good rate in the market, the fruit is sold locally for just Rs 10-12. Jayarama Shetty says that even watermelon fruit should get its due as it is more profitable crop than paddy and pulses.

Shetty said, “Growers of watermelon fruit give more priority to organic manure. That is why the yield is good. Manure of cows and organic oils are sprayed on the fruit. Hence, the loss due to damage is less and yield is high.”

The watermelon growers say that horticulture department gives subsidy to watermelon fruit that gives yield in just two months through waterdrop irrigation method. However, in the district of Udupi, most of the growers grow the fruit on part of their land. Hence, the department does not provide any subsidy. The growers of coastal region demand that subsidy should be given to them too.