Melons and papayas market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh melons and papayas in India increased from 9.7 million tons in 2018 to 10.3 million tons in 2023. This growth was supported by steady production expansion due to favorable agro-climatic conditions enabling year-round cultivation. A key driver was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which boosted consumer demand for immunity-strengthening foods like papaya, leading to higher consumption. Additionally, the government's Electronic National Agriculture Market (E-NAM) initiative enhanced market access and transparency for farmers, improving supply chain efficiency.

Despite the volume growth, the market value declined from 4.0 billion US dollars in 2018 to 3.0 billion US dollars in 2023. This reduction coincided with global competition from producers such as Mexico and Australia investing in quality and safe production, which exerted pressure on prices. India's export efforts faced challenges including phytosanitary compliance and logistical hurdles, affecting value realization.

Throughout the period, the industry focused on post-harvest handling, cold chain improvements, and packaging standardization to reduce losses and maintain quality. Consumer preferences shifted towards organic and fresh produce, stimulating production and marketing through digital platforms and online delivery services, which expanded market reach and engagement.

Production melons and papayas in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained the second-highest global position in melons and papayas production by volume.

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

India's production of melons and papayas grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 10 305 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 11.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, India's melons and papayas production value rebounded. In 2020, output was valued at 3 490 million US dollars, showing a modest 1.0% year-over-year increase. However, from 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 18.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.6%. The lowest value occurred in 2019 at 3 457 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 14.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in India in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports melons and papayas from India

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, India's exports of melons and papayas by volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 46 708 tonnes, down 4.0% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 48 668 tonnes, following the largest increase of 10.2% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (49.0% of exports by volume), Nepal (22.7%), and Maldives (7.7%) were the top buyers of melons and papayas from India, collectively accounting for 79.4% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

India's exports of melons and papayas by value declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 15 820 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 7.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Nepal were the leading markets for India's melons and papayas exports by value, together representing 67.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from India in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons and papayas to India

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, India's imports of melons and papayas by volume increased. In 2020, imports reached 404 tonnes, up 55.6% from the prior year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 31.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.0%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 259 tonnes, which experienced the largest decline of 46.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan and Thailand were the primary suppliers of melons and papayas to India, together accounting for 100.0% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decrease, India's imports of melons and papayas by value rose. In 2020, imports totaled 406 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 36.9% increase compared to 2019. Yet, between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 21.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -7.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 297 thousand US dollars, after the largest decline of 41.2% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Afghanistan and Thailand remained the key suppliers of melons and papayas to India in value terms, together making up 100.0% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to India in value, 2017-2020