India: Watermelon Market 2025

Watermelon Market Size in India

The Indian watermelon market expanded to $X in 2022, surging by 2.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -2.3% against 2020 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Production in India

In value terms, watermelon production rose sharply to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -6.0% against 2020 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 61%. Watermelon production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2022, the average yield of watermelons in India reduced slightly to X tons per ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the yield increased by 9.3%. Over the period under review, the average watermelon yield reached the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2021, and then dropped slightly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of watermelons in India fell slightly to X ha, approximately equating the year before. Over the period under review, the total harvested area indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +5.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon harvested area increased by +65.5% against 2012 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to watermelon production attained the maximum at X ha in 2021, and then shrank modestly in the following year.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from India

In 2022, the amount of watermelons exported from India rose remarkably to X tons, picking up by 8.9% against 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, watermelon exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 53%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Nepal (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from India, with a 57% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to Nepal exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Maldives (X tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by the United Arab Emirates (X tons), with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Nepal totaled +12.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Maldives (+44.2% per year) and the United Arab Emirates (+1.1% per year).

In value terms, Nepal ($X), Maldives ($X) and the United Arab Emirates ($X) appeared to be the largest markets for watermelon exported from India worldwide, with a combined 86% share of total exports. Bhutan and Qatar lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 12%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Qatar, with a CAGR of +48.0%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 6.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 when the average export price increased by 35% against the previous year. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Nepal ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Nepal (+8.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into India

In 2022, approx. X tons of watermelons were imported into India; with a decrease of -97.1% on the year before. Overall, imports showed a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 937%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2016 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports fell dramatically to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 844% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at $X in 2021, and then contracted dramatically in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Afghanistan (X tons) was the main supplier of watermelon to India, with a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Afghanistan stood at +3.6%.

In value terms, Afghanistan ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to India.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Afghanistan amounted to +16.8%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, jumping by 45% against the previous year. In general, import price indicated strong growth from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon import price increased by +119.5% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average import price increased by 48% against the previous year. The import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Afghanistan.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Afghanistan amounted to +12.7% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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