Watermelon is a zaid crop as it can be quickly grown in irrigated land. And farmers do not need to wait for the monsoon to grow watermelon because the special thing about watermelon cultivation is that it can be produced with less water and fertiliser at a minimum cost. Do you know where watermelons are native? They are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times. And, amazingly watermelon is the main part of summer fruit as it contains 93% water with low calories. That’s why it is consumed very much in the summer. In this blow, we’ll explain how the watermelon farming business is profitable.
| Botanical Name | Citrullus Vulgaris |
| Plant Type | Annual fruiting vine |
| Soil pH | 6.0 to 6.8 pH level |
| Size | 9-18 inch tall; 10-15 ft spread |
What is Watermelon Farming
Watermelon comes from the house of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is a warm annual season fruit in India, a large and juicy fruit loaded with good nutrients. The fruit is filled with water and can be eaten raw. You can grow watermelon quickly on your farms as it is easy to grow. Watermelon can be produced on sandy loam rich, and the ideal PH range is 6.5-7.5.
Few Benefits of Watermelon
Here are some of the advantages of watermelon to keep us in a healthy zone. And, For thriving production, always use good quality watermelon seeds for agriculture.
- It helps you to be hydrated
- Loaded with nutrients and beneficial plant components
- It has anti-cancer effects and improves heart health
- Reduce inflammation and oxidative anxiety
- It helps to prevent macular degeneration
- Improve skin health and digestion
- It relieves muscle soreness
And, the essential watermelon benefit is to grow with organic compost. Organic watermelon farming can be an option to make more profit in this unhealthy environment because the demand for organic products is increasing. Watermelon organic farming for organic products is also good to keep people healthy in this polluted environment.
Watermelon Production in India
India is the third largest producing country of watermelon. Watermelons are grown all over India, but the highest production is in the top five states (Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Orissa). And according to the latest data, Uttar Pradesh produces the maximum watermelon, about 706.65 tonnes. Secondly, Andhra Pradesh grows 628.57 tonnes of watermelon. Tamil Nadu comes at 3rd position of growing 315.19 tonnes of watermelon. Karnataka produces 260.90 tonnes of watermelon and then Orissa grows 253.54 tonnes of watermelon.
We know about watermelon’s colour, shape, and taste, but many of us do not know how to cultivate watermelon and its other things. So let’s know about the cultivation of watermelon.
Light & Soil for Watermelon
For thriving watermelon farming, it needs full sunlight because it helps to develop sugars in the watermelons. Moreover, high temperatures are considered for excellent watermelon farming because it increases fruit growth. Farmers can quickly cultivate it on infertile land, although rich sandy, loamy soil is best. It also requires a 5.5 – 7.0 pH level for its production. And, more farmers use organic components, so it grows more healthy.
Watermelon Spacing
Watermelon spacing followed by farmers in cultivation is 4 – 5 feet in between rows. Also, keep spacing for watermelon 2 feet to 2.5 feet in between plants. The number of plants per acre may range from 3400 to 4500.
Irrigation for Watermelon
When watermelons grow at the initial level, it needs regular watering. But when they are setting fruits, their need for water slowly decreases. In fact, if they get too much water, they will lose their sweetness. If we talk about their temperature, it needs hot conditions for production. Also, they will grow equally well in humid and arid conditions, but it requires adequate soil moisture.
Fertilizer for Watermelon
Before sowing, the soil should be well prepared with organic manure because it helps in better growth. Also, farmers can add a layer of compost in the mid-season to grow watermelons steadily. So make sure your soil is not lacking in organic matter. And, if you prefer to use chemical fertiliser, then feed early with a fertiliser that includes more nitrogen than potassium and phosphorus, as this will boost leaf and vine development. But after flowering, fertilise a second time with a low-nitrogen fertiliser that promotes flower and fruit growth.
Watermelon Harvesting
It’s hard to find out if your fruit is fully grown or not, but here we are with a few advice that will help you to determine watermelon harvesting time when they are ready.
So, If its tendril gets dried and its whitish colour becomes yellow after touching soil, that’s the perfect time for harvesting watermelon. Make sure not to pluck Immature fruit. They don’t have rich sugar content or colour. Even uncut melons can store for up to 2 weeks.
Watermelon Farming Profit
When it comes to watermelon farming, it is a very profitable crop due to the income per acre and increasing demand. By growing watermelons in a farm, farmers get a profit of 2 to 3 lakh in 3 months. Also, the watermelon farming business idea is best for both commercial farmers and marginal farmers, and they can make more profit at a minimum cost.
In addition, commercial watermelon farming offers a huge profit by exporting the outcomes to other states and countries. Actually, the green part (shelf life) of watermelon lasts longer. And its most eaten part remains edible for at least 3 to 4 weeks after harvesting if it doesn’t have spots or patches. That’s why by exporting watermelons, farmers can make a massive profit.
Facts about Watermelon
- It takes about 90 days to grow, from sowing to harvesting.
- The green part of the watermelon is also edible.
- 3rd August is National Watermelon Day.
Above showing all the details are helpful for you to cultivate watermelon. If you want to know more information regarding watermelon agriculture, be with Tractor Junction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon Farming
Que. How many watermelon plants can you grow in an acre?
Ans. 4535 to 31751 Kg of watermelon can grown on one acre of land.
Que. What is the best fertilizer for watermelon?
Ans. Nitrogen-based fertilizer is the best fertilizer for watermelon.
Que. Which country is highly producing watermelon?
Ans. China is the largest producer of watermelon in the world.
Que. How much investment is required in watermelon farming?
Ans. The investment is about Rs. 55000 for 1 acre of land.
Que. What is the lifespan of a watermelon plant?
Ans. 3- 4 months is the lifespan of a watermelon plant.
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