Sale of watermelon, muskmelon soars in Hubballi

HUBBALLI: As the temperature soars, so does the sale of watermelon and musk melon.
Vendors selling seasonal fruits, such as watermelon and muskmelon, can be seen alongside roads in the city as there is high demand.
The vendors are selling melons grown in Karnataka as well as in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The prices are higher compared to last year due to increased transportation charges, they say. Saleem Shaikh, a watermelon vendor said sales were high on Mahashivratri. More than 200 tonnes of watermelon were sold only on the festival day, he said.
"In Hubballi, there are more than 250 vendors involved in selling seasonal fruits, such as watermelon, papaya, muskmelon and others," he said.
"This year we are getting fruits from Vijayapura, Bagalkote and Belagavi. Compared to last year, this year the prices of watermelon are less at wholesale markets. But, due to increased transportation charges, the selling price has become high," he added.
"Post Mahashivratri the demand for watermelon has started to increase and this will lead to a hike in prices. Based on quality, the price of watermelon and muskmelon will be decided. Now the price ranges from Rs 15 to 25 per kg," said Shaikh.
Muskmelon is being brought from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh along with Raichur and Koppal districts.
Ramakrishna, of Azad Colony in Keshwapur said, "Earlier, we used to buy watermelon and muskmelon based on the size. Nowadays even roadside vendors are selling them by weight. The prices of fruits are increasing. I bought a watermelon for Rs 150, which is a bit costlier than before," he said.