W12 Melon and Watermelon Update: Brazil's Watermelon Prices Fluctuate During W12, Adana Province Leads Türkiye in 2023 Watermelon Production, and Gyeongnam Province Allocates Support to Watermelon and Melon Farms

Brazilian Watermelon Prices Fluctuate in W12 Due to Harvest Factors

During W12, the watermelon prices in Brazil experienced minor fluctuations due to various factors affecting harvests across Brazil. In Teixeira de Freitas and Rio Grande do Sul, prices slightly increased due to the end of the harvest season. The price of large-sized watermelons (greater than 12 kilograms) in Teixeira de Freitas stood at USD 0.35/kg (BRL 1.74/kg), an increase of 7.1% week-over-week (WoW). Meanwhile, In Rio Grande do Sul, the price was USD 0.31/kg (BRL 1.52/kg), an increase of 2.8% WoW. However, in São Paulo, watermelon productivity was negatively impacted by pests and high temperatures, resulting in less fruit. The average sale price for large watermelons in the São Paulo market was USD 0.34/kg (BRL 1.71/kg), a decrease of 2.2% WoW.

Adana Province Ranked First in Türkiye for Watermelon Production in 2023

According to a recent report released on Mar-24, Adana ranked first in Türkiye for watermelon production in 2023. The Adana Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry announced that Adana's watermelon production reached 554 thousand tons, accounting for 17.6% of Türkiye's total production. This makes Adana the top national producer of watermelons in 2023.

Spain Dominates EU Watermelon Sales with Record Revenue in 2023

According to a report released on Mar-24, Spain remains the top producer of watermelons in the European Union (EU), selling 564.59 million kg in 2023 for USD 461.5 million (EUR 426.26 million). EU member states purchased 1.8 million kg of watermelon in 2023, a 4.74% increase from 2019. Spain, Italy, Morocco, and Greece are the top four countries for watermelon sales. Spain leads in sales with 31.23% of all watermelons sold in the EU, followed by Italy with 240.54 million kg, Morocco with 123.01 million kg, and Greece with 6.8%. Spain's sales reached a record USD 461.50 million (EUR 426.26 million), while Morocco ranked second in revenue.

Gyeongnam Province Allocates USD 1.1 Million to Support Watermelon and Melon Farms

In South Korea, Gyeongnam Province allocated USD 1.1 million (KRW 1.6 billion) to support 955 watermelon and melon farms in five cities. These farms have seen decreased production due to excessive rain and limited sunlight. The province's Agriculture, Oceans, and Fisheries Committee proposed and adopted measures to address crop damage, including providing nutritional supplements and financial support for purchasing them. Additionally, the province plans to assist farmers by extending loan repayment periods and reducing interest rates. They have also requested that damage from pests and insufficient sunlight be recognized as agricultural disasters eligible for insurance compensation.

DNCRP Imposes Ban on Metric System Sales of Watermelon in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has banned the sale of watermelon in the metric system, arguing that it deprives consumers of reasonable prices. The ban was imposed during a fair-price watermelon sale program organized by the Bangladesh Poultry Association. The DNCRP Director General urged traders to sell watermelons as they buy, stating that those selling per kg would face punishment.

Bangladesh's Khulna Region Exceeds Agricultural Target with 721 Hectares of Watermelon Cultivation

Farmers in Bangladesh's Khulna agricultural region have cultivated 721 hectares (ha) of land, surpassing the Department of Agricultural Extension's target. Growers in coastal districts are pleased with the bumper yield and good prices in local markets. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has set a target to farm over 12.6 thousand ha, aiming for a total production of 4.5 mt in four districts of the region. Farmers in the Dakop Upazila harvest watermelons and transport them to various places for sale. The average price of each watermelon exceeds USD 3.18 (BDT 350).