Demand for melons soar in Kadur

The rising mercury level has led to a rise in demand for watermelons, sugarcane juice and tender coconuts in Kadur taluk.

The temperature has touched 36 degree celsius in Kadur taluk and people have been beating the heat by consuming watermelons and drinking juices.

The succulent watermelons being sold on the streets are priced between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per kg.

Each watermelon weighs 5 kg to 12 kg. The roadside fruit vendors also sell slices of the watermelon for Rs 10 each. The sale of watermelon in the form of slices is more profitable than the sale of whole fruits, said merchants.

“At least 60 watermelons are sold in a day. That apart, more than 25 watermelons are cut and sold in the form of slices,” said Rizwan, a merchant.

Though watermelon season has ended in Kadur, the fruit is being procured from Tamil Nadu for sale in the taluk. A tonne of watermelon costs Rs 12,000. About 10 tonnes of watermelon can be brought in a truck. A load of watermelon is sold within four to five days, he added.

Another merchant Mustafa said, “We procure watermelon from Tamil Nadu and also sell it wholesale.”