Arka Muthu
An IIHR dwarf, short-vine variety bred for close, high-density planting — round, small, sweet fruit of about 2.5–3 kg on a compact plant that fits raised-bed drip systems and small plots.
Quick facts
- Type
- Open-pollinated
- Season
- Zaid / summer
- Maturity period
- First harvest ~80–90 days
- Expected yield
- 35–45 t/ha at high density
- Suitable soil
- Sandy / light soil
- Release
- Released by ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru
About this variety
Arka Muthu is a dwarf, short-internode watermelon from ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, bred so the vine stays compact and can be planted close. The fruit is small (about 2.5–3 kg), round and sweet — a convenient single-serve size — and the short vine suits raised-bed drip-and-mulch systems, small plots and even protected cultivation. It matures early at about 80–90 days, and its yield per acre comes from planting density rather than large fruit.
Key characteristics
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
First harvest ~80–90 days
Expected yield
35–45 t/ha at high density
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Dwarf, short vine — can be planted close, so yield per acre comes from density
- Small, sweet, single-serve fruit with a growing retail market
- Fits raised-bed drip-and-mulch systems and small or protected plots
- Early at about 80–90 days
Things to consider
- Small fruit — not the choice where the market wants a large melon
- Disease resistance is moderate; check local Fusarium wilt pressure before planting on repeat cucurbit land
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Karnataka
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Maharashtra