Watermelons and melons market in India

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Indian market for fresh watermelons and melons expanded significantly, with volume rising from 3.7 million tons to over 5 million tons. This growth was underpinned by sustained efforts from state agricultural departments and research institutes, such as ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, which developed and promoted high-yielding varieties like Arka Shyama. These improved seeds, along with government releases of multiple horticultural crop varieties, enhanced farm productivity and laid the foundation for increased production.

A key driver in the early 2020s was the substantial rise in watermelon seed imports, which jumped from 20 355 tons in 2021–22 to 65 989 tons in 2022–23. This influx of seeds supported farmers' access to quality planting material, directly boosting output. Simultaneously, cultivation expanded into colder regions like Kashmir through the introduction of genetically modified seeds, enabling year-round supply and further lifting production volumes.

The market also saw innovations such as the cultivation of hybrid and square-shaped watermelons with higher sugar content, improving profitability for growers. Additionally, food safety enforcement actions, including seizures of adulterated watermelons in Tamil Nadu, helped maintain consumer confidence. While export growth and changing consumer preferences toward fresh, local produce added momentum, the primary expansion stemmed from seed-related investments and geographical diversification.

Production watermelons and melons in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained its position as the world's third-largest producer of watermelons and melons by volume.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

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

India's production of watermelons and melons grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 525 K t, marking a 20.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 38%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of watermelons and melons in India was valued at 1 494 M $ US, up 24.8% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 197 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 15.6%.

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

Exports watermelons and melons from India

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, India's exports of watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, exports totaled 39 362 t, a slight decrease of 0.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 35.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 39 686 t, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 23.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates (54.6% of exports by volume), Nepal (19.7%), and Maldives (9.7%) were the key export partners for India, collectively accounting for 84.0% of total export flows.

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

In 2020, India's exports of watermelons and melons amounted to 12 998 K $ US, showing a modest rise of 2.9% over the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 9%, with a CAGR of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 13 496 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 13.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (58.5% of exports by value), Maldives (9.1%), and Qatar (8.6%) were the leading destinations for India's exports, together making up 76.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports watermelons and melons to India

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, India's imports of watermelons and melons rebounded. In 2020, imports reached 404 t, a sharp increase of 55.6% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.9%, with a CAGR of -12.0%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 259 t, which also 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 (84.5% of total import volume) and Thailand (15.5%) were the dominant sources for India's imports of watermelons and melons, together comprising 100.0% of total import flows.

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 watermelons and melons rose. In 2020, imports were approximately 406 K $ US, reflecting a significant increase of 36.9% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 21.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 7.6%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 297 K $ US, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 41.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan and Thailand together formed the primary group of suppliers for India's imports of watermelons and melons, accounting for 100.0% of total import value.

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

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