Alappuzha: Before summer season, the farmers of Karappuram here started harvesting watermelon. As the big fruit fetched attractive price, they are excited. Over 50 tonnes of watermelon was harvested from Kanjikuzhi and Mararikulam panchayats alone.

Those who cultivated watermelon during the COVID lockdown are harvesting the fruit now. The farmers get upto Rs 25 for a kilogram of watermelon. The merchants sell the fruit for Rs 30 in the market.

Sugar Queen variety of watermelon is more widely cultivated. It has bright green rind and deep red flesh. It can be harvested within 65-70 days of planting. Harvesting can be continued for upto one month.

The fruit is known for its medicinal properties also. All farms where watermelon was planted got a stunning yield this time. Some farmers could harvest upto 12 tonnes per acre.