According to market data compiled by Lusaka Fresh, watermelon prices in Lusaka range from K40 at Mtendere Market, K60 from individual contributors, K70 at Soweto Market, K100 at Tuesday Market, and K129.99 at Shoprite East Park.
Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times—ZBT, Farm Produce Association (FPA) President Francis Banda said the higher prices being circulated online do not accurately reflect prevailing prices in most open markets.
“Zambia currently has two main types of watermelons on the market, namely the elongated striped variety and the locally produced round variety, which are harvested by different farmers,” said Banda.
He said the country is currently in the middle of the watermelon season, with supplies increasing across major production areas and markets. “The pricing is just being exaggerated now because there is a watermelon, as I’m talking right now, for K15, K10, and K20,” said Banda.
He added that watermelon prices are largely determined by size, noting that smaller fruits weighing between 1.5 and 2 kilograms can sell for as little as K10 to K20, while larger fruits command higher prices.
Meanwhile, Banda said a watermelon selling for around K70 would typically weigh close to 10 kilograms, making direct price comparisons difficult without considering size.
“The one for K70 should weigh about 10 kilograms, and the ones selling for K15 or K20 are weighing around 1.5 to 2 kilograms,” he said. Banda further observed that supermarkets generally price watermelons by weight, whereas traders in traditional markets usually negotiate prices based on the visible size of the fruit rather than kilograms. He advised consumers to compare prices across different markets before making purchases, stating that the current abundance of locally produced watermelons should help keep prices competitive despite higher figures appearing on some online platforms.
By Philip Sinkala
