The seeds of sweet success

Hybrid watermelons are taking over fields everywhere. And the higher cost isn’t determing farmers in search of better quality. The season of watermelon extend from February-March in south India and between August and September in the north. Due to extensive research at the Indian Institute of Horticulture Research (IIHR) and by private seed companies such as Namdhari Seeds, Nunhems Proagro and Indo-America Hybrid in recent years, the consumer has a choice of several improved versions- both in terms of high quality, high yield and disease resistance. Approximately 2.5 lakh acres are under watermelon cultivation. Major states growing hybrid watermelon include Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Open Pollinated varieties are still grown in many other states such as Uttar Pradesh. Seed Company say that more and more farmers are turning to hybrid seeds because they are assured of good disease resistant crops and quality fruits that fetch them a better price in the market. Namdhari has come up with the NS 295, which is a big success. The company has developed hybrids with specific traits required for the markets. These are in the pre-commercial stage. Nunhems Proagro, another leading vegetable Seed Company, has also released several popular hybrid varieties including Surabhi, Maya, Madhuri, Khushboo, Madhubala and Red Honey. Indo-American Hybrid Seeds also has F1 hybrids in watermelon.

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