Imphal, May 26: Watermelons have become money plants of sorts for farmers with successful plantation of the fruit in Manipur in the past 10 years.

The success of the juicy summer fruit's plantation was witnessed in the fourth state-level watermelon festival being held on the compound of Gandhi Memorial Hall here.

The week-long festival that began yesterday has 12 stalls, all piled with stock ranging from 1,000kg to 2,000kg.

Pukhrambam Tomcha, a participant, said, "I have taken up plantation in three acres of land. I earn an average of Rs 2 lakh annually. It makes it easy for me to maintain my family and provide for the educational requirements of my four children."

Tomcha started watermelon plantation four years ago. He cultivates with his wife. His children also help in their spare time. "Earlier, I used to plant mustard and beans after the paddy season. But it could not help to break the financial constraints. So I started planting watermelons and pumpkin in my field during the four month slack season," he said.

Two varieties of melons are being sold in the festival at Rs 20 per kg, which is the prevailing price in Imphal market. Keisam Ibeyaima, a participant, said, "The taste is good. But it should be sold lower than the market price in such exhibitions."

The festival has been organised by Nahakpam Foundation for Development under the sponsorship of the state horticulture department.

Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, who inaugurated the festival, said, "The festival will encourage watermelon cultivation in the state. The government will discuss feasibility of providing facilities for extracting juices to increase marketing of the product."

He encouraged the farmers to grow varied crops and improve their work culture.

Shanta Nahakpam, the man behind the watermelon plantation campaign in the state and key organiser of the festival, said massive import of watermelons from Myanmar had made the farmers realise the potential of the fruit. Farmers have been growing watermelons in the state since mid-70s but it has become a productive crop since 2005.

Manipur was a cold state but it has become suitable for watermelon cultivation with increase in the temperature.