Brazil: Watermelon growers optimistic about November harvest

November is the month of watermelon harvest in the central-western region of São Paulo, where the fruit is widely cultivated. Despite the challenges imposed by the drought in recent months, producers in the area are confident of a good harvest. On a rural property located in Agudos (SP), the harvest continues at a fast pace, with approximately 1,100 watermelons being harvested per hour. Each fruit can weigh up to 15 kilos. This harvest corresponds to the "first harvest" of the 2024 harvest, the beginning of a cycle that will last for about two months, with work carried out in several cultivated areas in the region. The Manchester watermelon, a variety characteristic of the central-western region of São Paulo, has been cultivated locally for almost 40 years and continues to be one of the region's specialties. Although the average sales price has fallen slightly, with a kilo of fruit being sold at R$1.30 – 20 cents less than the previous harvest ...