The new variety has been successfully cultivated by farmers in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Bayer has launched India’s first-ever yellow watermelon variety, ‘Yellow Gold 48,’ under its Seminis brand of high-yielding vegetable seeds. The unique yellow watermelon has been developed from superior germplasm as part of Bayer’s global R&D efforts. The yellow watermelon variety has been commercially introduced in India following two years of local trials. With ‘Yellow Gold 48’, watermelon growers can benefit from enhanced yield potential, better disease & pest tolerance, and higher returns.
Besides the novel yellow-coloured flesh, Bayer’s yellow watermelon offers a distinct, sweet flavour. It has a thicker rind compared to the red watermelon variety, enabling a longer shelf-life and reducing potential losses from damage during transportation from farms to markets. The ‘Yellow Gold 48’ variety is best suited for cultivation from October to February and for harvest from April onwards. The yellow watermelon will be available in the market until mid-July.
Speaking about the new yellow watermelon, KE Muthu, Head of Bayer Vegetable Seeds, South Asia, said, “Yellow Gold 48 with its high yield and income potential will empower watermelon growers to diversify into new categories and meet the growing demand for exotic fruits. With 2021 designated by the United Nations as the ‘International Year of Fruits & Vegetables’, we have launched our innovative yellow watermelon to offer Indian consumers greater choice and create awareness on the nutritional benefits of fruits. We are also creating market linkages for yellow watermelon growers by connecting them directly to large buyers and food retail stores.”
Currently, Bayer’s yellow watermelon is available at a price range of Rs10 per kg in local fruit markets and select modern retail stores in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. To differentiate the yellow watermelon variety from the traditional red ones, the fruit carries an external peelable sticker with the Bayer and ‘Seminis Yellow Gold 48’ logos for clear differentiation and authentication.