Concerns regarding watermelon seed imports in India are impacting the domestic market.

Ahead of the new watermelon growing season, Indian agricultural producers have faced a drop in seed prices. Although the government has not made official statements regarding changes to import policy, rumors about a potential easing of restrictions on seed imports have already impacted costs. In the state of Gujarat, the price of watermelon seed has decreased from 245 to 170 rupees per kilogram in recent weeks.

Due to the delayed monsoon, many farmers who traditionally grew guar, bajra, and mung bean have opted for watermelons this season. Farmers fear that if imports are opened in mid-August, supplies of foreign produce will coincide with the market entry of domestically produced harvest between September and November, which will inevitably create price pressure.

Tulcharam Sinwar, state general secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh in Rajasthan, noted that previously the cost of seed had fallen to 70 rupees per kilogram, but after government measures to restrict imports, the price stabilized at around 200 rupees. According to him, farmers are actively increasing sowing areas in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, relying on assurances from central authorities regarding the protection of national producers.

To ensure industry stability, agricultural unions are collaborating with the Jodhpur Agricultural University to develop local seed production. Currently, India's annual demand for watermelon seed is 60,000–70,000 tons, with a deficit estimated at 10–15%. Farmers also point to rising production costs, particularly for labor, which reaches 750–800 rupees per day, making it difficult to compete with cheaper imports.

Representatives of farmers' organizations are calling on the government to develop a long-term policy aimed at expanding domestic seed production and emphasize the need to move away from imports to strengthen farmers' confidence in government crop diversification programs.