Watermelon prices have risen in the Navi Mumbai APMC market. Previously, they were at 10 to 15 rupees per kg, but now the price is 15 to 20 rupees per kg. According to businessmen in the APMC market, this price hike is due to the increasing heat and lower availability of watermelon. Farmers are getting higher prices in Karnataka, so they are sending their products there. In the Karnataka market, watermelon is 17 to 25 rupees per kg, while in Navi Mumbai, it is 15 to 20 rupees per kg. Most of the watermelons in the Navi Mumbai APMC market come from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
During the summer, most people consume watermelon to reduce the impact of heat on their bodies. It increases the water level in the body and prevents dehydration. Due to the increase in heat, the demand for watermelons has increased, but the supply in the market is lower. Three days ago, 70 to 80 trucks of watermelon were arriving at the market daily; now, only 50 to 60 trucks are coming in. The decrease in imports and increase in demand are causing prices to rise in the retail market as well. So, in the retail market, the watermelon price is 30 to 40 rupees per kg, which is more expensive for common people.
The demand for watermelon peaked during the Roja festival, but it decreased after Eid. Now, due to the increase in heat, demand has also increased.
Quote: Ramchandra Kadam, Watermelon Businessman
“We are trying to import more and more watermelon due to the increase in demand. Prices have increased by 3 to 5 rupees per kg in the APMC market, but in the retail market, it is up to 10 rupees per kg. Prices are not likely to decrease this month, but they may come down after May
