MERCURY SOARS, MELONS TAKE OVER DWARKA TURNS TO SUMMER’S COOLEST COMFORT

As the summer sun beats down relentlessly on Dwarka, a refreshing trend has taken over its streets - rows of vibrant watermelon and muskmelon stalls offering a sweet escape from the heat. From Sector 6 markets to the busy stretches near Sector 21 Metro and Dwarka Mor, roadside vendors have sprung up, drawing residents looking for instant relief. Bright red slices of watermelon displayed on carts and neatly stacked muskmelons have become a common sight across the sub-city. The rush peaks during the afternoon and early evening hours, when temperatures are at their highest and people seek something cooling and hydrating. Vendors report a sharp rise in demand over the past few weeks. “People prefer fruits that cool the body and are easy to eat. Watermelon sells the fastest,” said Ramu, a fruit seller. While many residents opt for freshly cut slices while commuting, others purchase whole fruits to enjoy at home with family. The seasonal demand has also encouraged several temporary vendors to set up stalls across Dwarka’s sectors, increasing accessibility for residents. These fruits are sourced from neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, along with supplies from Andhra Pradesh and other regions, ensuring a steady flow despite rising demand. However, prices have seen a slight increase this year. Vendors attribute this to higher transportation and fuel costs, along with comparatively lower production in some regions. “Farm prices have gone up and transport costs have nearly doubled compared to last year,” a fruit vendor said, adding that muskmelon prices, too, are on the higher side.

Here's what few melon-sellers in Dwarka say-

“I source fresh watermelons directly from Azadpur Mandi and every year from April to July, the demand rises sharply as people look for natural ways to beat the heat. Watermelon is truly the best summer fruit - it is refreshing, hydrating and loved by people of all ages. At my stall in front of the Sector-12 dispensary, I see a steady flow of customers throughout the day, especially during peak afternoon hours. Many prefer watermelon because it not only cools the body but also helps maintain hydration and provides instant energy in the scorching summer. For us vendors, this season is crucial, as it supports our livelihood while also allowing us to serve something healthy and essential to the community.”

Ram Singh

“In this line of work, experience teaches you that customer trust is your biggest earning. I have been selling fruits in Dwarka Sector-10 for 14 years and every summer season brings both opportunity and responsibility. Watermelon becomes the most sought-after fruit during these months, but customers are very particular about taste. Customers often ask about price differences. Local watermelon is cheaper, but Andhra watermelon, priced around ₹40 per kilo, is known for better sweetness and consistency. Many people prefer quality over saving a few rupees. I source my fruits carefully from Azadpur Mandi and ensure that my customers get value for their money. If anyone is dissatisfied, I replace the fruit immediately - that is how relationships are built over time. Evening hours are always the busiest, as people step out once the heat reduces. But after July, the demand drops sharply and we have to manage with much lower sales.”                                                  

Suresh Yadav

“For small vendors like us, summer decides how the entire year will go. I have been working in Dwarka Sector- 4 for nearly nine years and from March to July, my stall sees steady crowds, mostly because of watermelon. While local varieties are cheaper, they don’t always meet expectations in taste. Andhra watermelons are more expensive, costing around ₹35- ₹40 per kilo but they rarely disappoint, which is why many customers specifically ask for them. I make it a point to bring good-quality stock from Azadpur Mandi and keep my customers satisfied. If anyone faces an issue, I replace the fruit without hesitation. Over time, this honesty has helped me build a loyal base. Most of my business happens in the evening when the weather becomes more comfortable.”

Sunil Kumar

“Running a fruit cart in Dwarka Sector- 6 for over a decade has taught me that summer is not just a season, it is our lifeline. From March to July, the demand for watermelon rises sharply and these months sustain us for the rest of the year when business is slow. Customers today are more aware they often ask about the difference between local and Andhra watermelons. While local ones are affordable, their taste can be inconsistent. Andhra watermelons, though priced higher, are sweeter and more reliable, which is why many regular buyers prefer them. There is a big difference between local and Andhra watermelons. Local ones are cheaper, around ₹10 - ₹20 per kilo, but their taste is not always reliable. Andhra watermelons cost ₹35 - ₹40 per kilo and are usually sweeter. Customers who understand quality always ask for them. I personally select my stock from Azadpur Mandi and ensure that quality is maintained. Trust is everything in this business - if a fruit is not good, I replace it without question. Most of my customers come in the evening to escape the heat and that’s when the real rush begins. After July, however, the market quiets down significantly.”

Rakesh Kumar

I have been in the fruit business in Dwarka Sector- 12 for the past 16 years. This work depends heavily on the season, especially from March to July. Summer months bring maximum sales. Watermelon is my main product. Local varieties are affordable, but Andhra watermelons are priced higher due to their superior taste. Customers who want sweetness and quality often choose Andhra stock. I take great care in selecting my stock from Azadpur Mandi because quality directly affects customer trust. In our business, one bad fruit can impact your reputation, so I always replace any defective piece immediately. Many of my customers have been with me for years, and most of them prefer shopping in the evening. Once July ends, the rush fades and business slows considerably.

 Puram Lal

“Fruit selling is a seasonal business and summer is when we earn the most. I have been working in Dwarka Sector-19 for ten years and watermelon is the main attraction during these months. There is always a clear difference between local and Andhra watermelons - while local ones are cheaper, they are not always sweet. I personally check the stock I bring from Azadpur Mandi to ensure good quality. Customer satisfaction is my priority, so I replace any fruit that does not meet expectations. Most of my regular customers visit in the evening and that is when business peaks.”

 Naseem Ali

 “In my 13 years of selling fruits in Dwarka Sector- 3, I have seen how customer preferences have evolved. Today, people are willing to pay a little extra for quality, especially when it comes to watermelon. Local varieties still have buyers, but Andhra watermelons are more popular because of their consistent taste. I source my fruits from Azadpur Mandi and ensure that only good-quality stock reaches my customers. If something goes wrong, I replace it without hesitation because trust is what keeps customers coming back. Evening time is when the market truly comes alive.”

Vijay Singh

 “Working in Dwarka Sector- 7 for the past 12 years, I have learned that quality is what defines your business. During summer, watermelon becomes the most demanded fruit and customers are very particular about its taste. If any fruit turns out to be defective, I replace it immediately. Over the years, I have built a strong base of loyal customers who trust my products. Most of the sales happen in the evening when the weather is pleasant.”

Deepak Gupta

 “For me, the summer season is the most important time of the year. I have been running my fruit business in Dwarka Sector- 9 for 15 years and watermelon is always in high demand during these months. Customers today understand quality very well- they know that Andhra watermelons are sweeter and more consistent, even though they cost more than local ones. If there is any complaint, I replace the fruit without hesitation. This honesty has helped me build long-term relationships with my customers, most of whom prefer visiting in the evening.”

 Arvind Patel