Farming in Ladakh is like trying to grow a garden in a freezer. The region, known as the cold desert of India, has harsh climatic conditions with freezing winters, strong winds, low humidity, and very little rainfall. Most of the land is rocky, and only a tiny portion is available for cultivation. The short growing season makes it even harder for farmers to grow crops successfully.
Despite these challenges, the Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), under DRDO, has been working since the 1960s to improve agriculture in the region. In recent years, their research has focused on diversifying crops to provide local farmers with better income opportunities and fresh food supply for the army deployed in the region. One of the most surprising breakthroughs has been the successful open-field cultivation of watermelon in Ladakh. Watermelon is a fruit that normally needs heat, sunshine, and long summers.
Why Watermelon in Ladakh?
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular summer fruit around the world, especially in hot and humid areas. It is rich in water, nutrients, and is loved for its sweet and juicy taste. Normally, the ideal temperature for watermelon cultivation is between 21°C to 32°C. This is why it's usually grown in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Ladakh, on the other hand, has very different conditions. With freezing temperatures in winter, high altitude, and very limited rainfall, it doesn't seem like a place where watermelon can grow. However, researchers discovered that during the short summer window, Ladakh gets strong sunshine and low humidity, which can actually support the growth of certain crops if the microclimate around the plant is managed properly.
Creating a Suitable Growing Environment
To make watermelon cultivation possible in Ladakh, scientists used a technique called microclimate modification. This involves changing the conditions around the plant to suit its needs. The most effective method found was using Black Plastic Mulch (BPM). This is a thin sheet of plastic placed on the soil which absorbs sunlight, traps heat, and keeps the soil warm.
By using BPM, the soil temperature increased enough to support watermelon growth. It also helped in conserving water by reducing evaporation and stopping weed growth. This meant that even in dry and cold Ladakh, watermelon plants could grow well without needing chemicals like herbicides or pesticides.
How the Cultivation Was Done
The study was carried out on five watermelon varieties: Beejo-2000, Arka Manik, KSP-1127, Swapnil, and Sugarbaby. Seedlings with two or three true leaves were transplanted manually in early June. Each planting furrow was about 75 cm wide and spaced 135 cm apart. Plants were planted at a distance of 90 cm in the row. Farmyard manure was added to improve soil fertility.
Watering was done every three days in the beginning and later every five days as the plants matured. No chemical sprays were used. The fruits were harvested in mid-August and then again in early September.
Results from the Field Trials
The results were very encouraging. Among all the varieties, Beejo-2000 performed the best. It produced around 28.9 tonnes per hectare, which is higher than the national average yield of 24.9 tonnes. The sweetness of the fruit was also better due to the strong sunshine and cool climate of Ladakh. Farmers found that the melons were not only bigger in size but also tastier compared to those grown in plains.
Using BPM helped reduce weed growth and saved money on labor. The overall cost of cultivation for one kanal (500 square meters) was estimated at Rs. 12,350. The gross return was Rs. 80,000 and the net return stood at Rs. 61,850, giving a cost-benefit ratio of 3.40. This means farmers earned Rs. 3.40 for every rupee spent. It is a very healthy return, especially for a high-altitude region.
A New Option for Farmers in the Cold Desert
Earlier, only limited fruits like apples and apricots were grown in Ladakh. But thanks to this research, watermelon has now become a new commercial crop. The produce is not just sold in local markets as a special off-season fruit, but is also included in army rations in Ladakh. This offers a stable demand and adds to the income of local farming communities.
Introducing watermelon cultivation is a big step toward crop diversification in Ladakh. It proves that even warm-season crops can be adapted to cold, high-altitude areas with the right techniques. This not only improves food availability in remote regions but also makes farming more profitable for local families.
Watermelon farming in Ladakh showcases how science and local knowledge overcome harsh conditions. Using black plastic mulch to warm the soil, this tropical fruit now thrives in one of India’s coldest regions. With rising farmer interest and army demand, watermelon offers new income opportunities and promotes sustainable agriculture in Ladakh’s challenging cold desert environment.
