Watermelon prices drop to affordable rates in market

Watermelon is currently available sufficiently in local market, with prices of the item at affordable rates ahead of Ramadan.

As per calendar, this year's Ramadan will begin on Monday, March 11th, 2024.

With watermelon, one of the most in-demand and popular commodities during Ramadan, abundantly available, prices of the item has been dropped to MVR 20 per kilogram.

Last year, watermelon was sold for MVR 25 per kilogram during Ramadan.

Local vendors attest fresh watermelon produce from Alifu Alifu atoll Thoddoo and Thaa atoll Kandoodhoo are currently the most in abundance.

"Lot of watermelon were delivered from Thoddoo today alone, more of the item is expected tomorrow. It will be available sufficiently throughout Ramadan," a local market vendor commented.

Thoddoo island council president, Ahmed Karam spoke with 'Sun' media last week, noting the island harvested a significant quantity of watermelons due to good weather conditions. Karam is hopeful Thoddoo will deliver more watermelon in 2024 compared to previous year.

The council president said Thoddoo will have the capacity to sell watermelon to the Maldives market through Ramadan, and added close to 450-500 tons of watermelon will be supplied to Male'.