Assessing the Economic Viability of Watermelon Cultivation in Haryana and Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

Aims: To analyze the costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Haryana and Karnataka state during the year 2021-22. Methodology: For the study, 120 farmers (60 farmers from each state) were selected from Haryana and Karnataka which are selected purposively. From Haryana state, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and from Karnataka, Koppal and Chitradurga districts were selected purposively based on highest area under watermelon production. From each district two blocks were selected randomly. Further from each selected block two villages (15 farmers each) were selected. Results: Farmers of Karnataka investing more on seeds and plant protection chemicals (PPC) compared to farmers of Haryana. The cost of cultivation is higher in the Karnataka state (₹1,70,034.37/ha) compared to Haryana state (₹1,49,450.59/ha) farmers. The variation in cost of cultivation is due to Karnataka farmers were spending more on seeds, neem cake and PPC. The gross and net returns obtained per hectare was more in Karnataka state compared to Haryana state, because Karnataka has the suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing watermelon. Conclusion: The cost and return analysis revealed that watermelon production in the study area was profitable with returns per rupee of investment (B: C ratio) of 1:51 in Haryana and 1:75 in Karnataka.