Date:08/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/08/stories/2005020813250300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Watermelons flood the city

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, FEB. 7. Chennai may have experienced a rather cold December and January, but the heat has started to set in.

A clear indicator of the forthcoming summer is the arrival of fresh and juicy watermelons in the city. Chennai's markets are overflowing with the fruit, which cost between Rs. 9 and Rs. 15.

The popularity of watermelons among almost all classes of buyers is seen by the fact that even big retail and supermarket chains are stocking them.

Traders say the melons arrive from nearby districts.