Pineapple, watermelon gain in summer fruit procurement trends

Panaji: As summer temperatures soar across Goa, water-rich and seasonal fruits like watermelon and pineapple are becoming the highlights of the season.

“People are now more aware of the importance of consuming nutrient-rich fruits during the summer,” Akshay Purkhe, a watermelon farmer, told TOI. “Earlier, people would wait specifically for Parra watermelons as they are considered to be a delicacy. Now, consumption is more regular because of health awareness,” he said.

Data from the Goa State Horticultural Corporation between 2020-21 and 2025-26 reflects these ground realities, highlighting both the dominance of mango and the growing role of other fruits. Across the past five financial years, mango procurement displays clear volatility. The corporation procured 133kg worth Rs 5,855 in 2021-22.

This rose sharply to over 500kg in 2025–26 so far, as procurement rose much further, worth Rs 83,849 this time, indicating both higher volumes and a steep rise in expenditure.

In contrast, pineapple shows a more stable and steadily rising trajectory. Procurement stood at 6,175.5kg valued at Rs 1.2 lakh in 2021-22 and declined to 1,508.5kg worth Rs 31,570 in 2022–23. However, from 2023–24 onward, the numbers reflect consistent growth. The current year, 2025–26, shows a substantial jump to 870.5kg so far, but with a much higher value of Rs 23,673 till now, with farmers anticipating a significant increase in numbers by the end of summer.

“My yield has not started yet, it will begin from April,” pineapple farmer Samir Audi said, adding that, “But the yield is expected to be good, and demand among people is strong. Unlike mangoes, pineapples are less vulnerable to climatic disruptions. At most, ripening may get slightly delayed, but it is a profitable crop thanks to its growing popularity.”

Watermelon occupies a different space altogether, where volume outweighs value. Procurement figures show 9,108kg in 2021-22 for Rs 1.1 lakh and in 2025–26, procurement has been 6,313.1kg valued at Rs 86,921.4 till date.

With harvests expected to pick up from April, growers remain cautiously optimistic that favourable weather conditions will support both yield and supply in the coming weeks.

Agriculture officials say this is also visible at the retail level. “People are no longer waiting for one fruit — they are buying what is available and healthy,” an official said.
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