Doubt over Magaj-watermelon import notification

19-Jun-2025 07:10 PM

Sowing work started at production centers

New Delhi. Sowing work has started in Rajasthan, the major producer state of Magaj-watermelon. If the monsoon remains good in the coming days, then the sowing area will definitely increase in the second year as well. Sources believe that due to good prices to the farmers, sowing can increase by 20/25 percent.

It is worth mentioning that 4/5 years ago, the price of Magaj-watermelon used to be Rs 125/150 per kg and the production in the country was 30/35 thousand tonnes. But due to the record rise in the year 2023, the inclination of farmers towards the cultivation of Magaj-watermelon increased, as a result, the production of Magaj-watermelon in the country has also increased to the level of 45/50 thousand tonnes.

Delay in notification

Usually the government used to issue notification during the month of May-June, but this year the import notification has not been issued yet. Some traders say that the import notification may be issued in the month of July, while some traders believe that due to record imports during the year 2024-25, import will not be allowed this year. It is noteworthy that usually the government allows Magaj-watermelon import under the quota system, but due to record prices in the year 2023, the import of Magaj watermelon was opened in the year 2024 under OGL. Due to which record imports were made in the year 2024-25.

Slow-fast on government policy

The slow-fast of Magaj-watermelon will depend on the government policy. Whether the government allows import or not. If it gives permission, it gives under the quota system or under OGL. Sources believe that if the government allows import, then it is not possible to increase the prices. If it does not give, then the prices may increase by Rs 50/75 per kg.

Prices in the year 2023

Due to low production in the country and the impact of imports due to the civil war in Sudan, the prices of Magaj-melon reached a record level of Rs 820/830 in November-December 2023. Whereas currently the prices are being quoted at the level of Rs 510/530.

Import necessary

It is worth mentioning that the production of Magaj melon is only 50 percent in comparison to the consumption in the country. Even during April - 2025, Magaj-melon Industries had requested the government to open the import of Magaj-melon so that the industries could run smoothly. But the government did not accept their demand. Sources say that our annual consumption of Magaj melon is about 85/90 thousand tonnes. Whereas the domestic production is 45/50 thousand tonnes, hence import is necessary to meet the consumption.

Stock

Traders say that due to high imports during the year 2024-25, the stock is sufficient till the new crop arrives. According to an estimate, the stock of indigenous goods at the production centers is currently believed to be 4/5 thousand tonnes. Whereas the stock of foreign goods is believed to be 20/25 thousand tonnes. The arrival of new goods in the country will start around Diwali.

Record import
During the year 2024-25 (April-March), record import of Magaj-Melon was done. According to the data released by the government, the import was 86273 tonnes. The highest import was done in July-August - 2024. During July - 2024, 25161.84 tonnes and in August 25856.76 tonnes were imported. In the year 2023-24, the import was of 35750 tonnes, whereas in the year 2022-23 the import was of 65989 tonnes. In the year 2021-22, the import was only 20355 tonnes.