W10 Melon and Watermelon: Morocco Anticipates Stable Melon Harvest Amid Favorable Weather, Bangladesh Anticipates Bumper Watermelon Harvest in 2023/24 Season, and Steady Watermelon Prices Expected in Maldives Despite High Demand

Stable Melon Harvest Volumes Expected in Morocco for 2024 Amid Favorable Weather

Morocco's first melons arrived in the French market in W9, following Brazil and Honduras origins. Professionals are refocusing on Moroccan origin due to profitability issues in Senegal. Melon harvest volumes are forecasted to be similar to 2023, with more details anticipated in W11 as production starts in Marrakech. The reported quality is excellent due to favorable weather conditions in all production zones. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, current volumes are reasonable, and initial price positioning issues have been resolved, resulting in a good balance between current volumes and consumption.

Watermelon Crop Devastated by Disease in São Francisco de Assis, Santa Maria Region

In Brazil, the watermelon growing season in São Francisco de Assis, Santa Maria region, has been severely impacted by downy mildew and anthracnose, significantly damaging plantations and leading many farmers to rely on agricultural insurance. While later plantations in Soledade and Rio Pardo yielded better quality, early plantings were adversely affected by excessive rainfall and lack of sunshine, with losses in some areas reaching 80% to 90%. In W10, watermelon prices fluctuated between USD 0.16 per kilogram (kg) and USD 0.28/kg (BRL 0.80 and BRL 1.40/kg) due to market volatility and harvest conditions.

Bangladesh Expects High Watermelon Harvest in 2023/24 Season

Bangladesh has cultivated 12.6 thousand hectares (ha) of watermelon land in four Khulna division districts, with farmers expecting a bumper production this 2023/24 season. The Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) supported farmers, resulting in over 100 farmers taking up watermelon schemes in 2024, including many new growers. The watermelon crop's success has also led to a rise in wheat production targets, with the agriculture officer in Dacope Upazila predicting that the wheat production target will be exceeded if favorable weather continues.

Steady Watermelon Prices Expected in Maldives in W10 Despite High Demand

Watermelon prices in Malé, Maldives, are expected to remain steady throughout Ramadan due to the high supply of watermelon from various islands. The fruit is in high demand during Ramadan. Vendors believe there will be no shortage in supply, with prices between USD 1.47/kg and USD 2.16/kg (MVR 17/kg and MVR 25/kg). Meanwhile, prices for Indian watermelons are expected to lower due to their tendency to spoil faster than Maldivian watermelons. The likelihood of a price increase is low if the weather remains fair.

Persistent Pest Problems Lead to Declining Watermelon Farming in Nigeria

Watermelon farmers in Bara village and surrounding areas in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria, are experiencing poor harvests due to diseases and pests resistant to pesticides. Despite efforts to combat the issue using various insecticides, the problem has persisted for the past three years, leading to a significant decrease in watermelon farming. Many farmers were forced to switch to other crops or relocate, threatening the livelihoods of thousands who rely on watermelon farming as their primary source of income. The farmers are now appealing to the state government for intervention and assistance.