Watermelon is ‘king of fruits’ during fasting month
KUALA TERENGGANU: The popularity of watermelon during Ramadan in Terengganu has been a boon for local farmers and traders as many people buy the fruit as a thirst quencher, especially for the breaking of fast.
Baharudin Ibrahim, 53, said based on his 15-year experience as a watermelon farmer, demand for the fruit, popularly called “Timun Cina” here, would double during Ramadan compared to other months.
“Furthermore, the current hot weather makes the watermelon highly sought after.
“Usually, most farmers will schedule their planting so that their watermelon can be harvested throughout Ramadan.
“There is no problem regarding marketing because I just signed a contract with the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry to supply 60 tonnes of watermelon to the state’s Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) for Ramadan,’’ he said.
Currently, three districts in Terengganu – Setiu, Besut and Marang – have been turned into major watermelon cultivation areas for nationwide distribution. Fruit seller Fauzilah Ibrahim, 52, said watermelon was the best-selling fruit at her stall near Gong Badak, Kuala Nerus, each Ramadan because it was the favourite of Terengganu folk during the breaking of fast.
“Apart from its delicious taste, watermelon juice restores energy after fasting a whole day.
“What’s unique in Terengganu is that its people eat watermelon as a salad with rice.
“Demand for watermelon has gone up by 20% seven days into Ramadan,’’ said Fauzilah, who sells the fruit at RM3 a kg.