Itanagar, Apr 19: The foothills of Arunachal Pradesh are fast emerging as a promising region for watermelon cultivation, thanks to the successful introduction of the high-yielding open-pollinated variety 'Arka Shyama', developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR).
Trailed during the summer of 2023 in Jarkong village under East Siang district, Arka Shyama has demonstrated impressive results in terms of adaptability, yield, and profitability, offering a new avenue for crop diversification and income generation for local farmers.
Conducted under the technical supervision of the Multi-Technology Testing Centre and Vocational Training Centre (MTTC & VTC) of ICAR-IIHR’s NEH component, the trial covered a half-acre plot where seeds were sown in late January and transplanted in February. Following proper agronomic practices and a 60 cm spacing pattern, the fruits matured within three and a half months.
The first four harvests alone yielded nearly 3 tonnes of watermelon, each weighing between 2 to 3 kg — suitable for small households. At wholesale and retail rates of ?25 and ?35-40 per kilogram respectively, the crop fetched an estimated net profit of ?1.6 lakh from just half an acre.
Known for its deep red flesh, crisp texture, and refreshing sweetness, Arka Shyama has become popular among both wholesale and retail consumers. Its manageable size and appealing taste further increase its demand in urban markets. Being an open-pollinated variety, it also enables farmers to save seeds for future planting, reducing recurring input costs.
Despite being non-hybrid, Arka Shyama's performance rivals that of commercial hybrids, making it an economical yet high-performing option. Its market acceptance and short growth cycle have contributed to its rising popularity among growers.
The success of this variety has already inspired a growing number of farmers in the region to take up watermelon cultivation as a viable alternative to traditional low-value crops. Supported by ICAR-IIHR and local extension agencies, farmers are being encouraged to adopt this low-risk, high-reward crop.
Experts believe that with continued awareness campaigns, training, and access to quality seeds, Arka Shyama has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape of the Northeast, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
The initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh, offering enhanced livelihood opportunities in one of the country’s most remote but resource-rich regions.
