Pune: Farmers in Daund taluka are facing heavy financial losses due to a sharp decline in watermelon prices, even as demand remains high during the summer season and Ramadan. Currently, market rates range from ₹7 to ₹12 per kilogram, making it difficult for farmers to recover their production costs.
Watermelon cultivation had increased significantly this year, with farmers from Bori Bel, Rajegaon, and Watluj planting their crops in December 2024. Typically harvested within 65 to 70 days, the crop has now flooded the market, leading to an oversupply and, consequently, a price crash.
Production Costs Unrecoverable Amid Falling Prices
During Ramadan last year, watermelon prices were between ₹15 and ₹18 per kilogram, providing better returns to farmers. However, this year, despite similar demand, prices have dropped drastically.
"We spend nearly ₹60,000 per acre to cultivate watermelons. With the current market prices, we are struggling to recover even our basic expenses," said Jaywant Pawar, a farmer from Rajegaon.
Farmers Demand Fair Pricing
The surge in watermelon supply has resulted in a drastic price drop, causing severe financial strain on farmers. "For watermelon farming to be sustainable, we need a minimum price of ₹14 to ₹17 per kilogram," said Kalyan Shendge, a farmer from Watluj.