SRINAGAR, Aug 8: Batwina village in Ganderbal district, famously known as the “Watermelon Village,” is buzzing with activity as the harvest season begins with high hopes and healthy yields.
Nestled along the scenic Sind river, the village is gradually becoming a prominent watermelon cultivation zone and steadily gaining attention for growing a fruit that until recently had little presence in the valley’s apple-dominated fruit sector.
Farmers in Batwina cultivate watermelon on nearly 200 to 300 kanals of land.
The process begins in April, with seeding done inside greenhouses for about a month.
In May, the saplings are transplanted outdoors, and the fruit is ready for harvest by late June or early July.
“This village is now known as ‘Chhota Punjab’ because of the scale of watermelon cultivation. It takes around Rs 10,000 to 12,000 to cultivate one kanal, and the returns can go up to Rs 1 lakh if market prices are favourable.
Occasionally, when demand is high, we earn even more,” he said.
The locally grown watermelons are in high demand across Kashmir and in other parts of the country due to their freshness and taste.
However, some farmers express dissatisfaction with the Agriculture Department, accusing it of neglect. “The officials hardly visit and do not have a clear understanding of which crops are best suited to which areas,” another grower said.
Despite limited institutional support, Batwina’s farmers are carving a niche for themselves. With continued success, the village is setting an example for agricultural diversification in Kashmir’s fruit economy.