W14 Melon and Watermelon Update: Early Watermelon Harvest in Turkey's Dikmen District Amid Above-Normal Temperatures, NIHORT Addresses Watermelon Farming Challenges in Nigeria’s Bauchi State, and Spanish Watermelon Imports Decline by 11.2% YoY in 2023, Impacting Moroccan Exports

Published Apr 12, 2024

In W14 in the melon and watermelon landscape, Turkey's Dikmen District is experiencing an early watermelon harvest due to above-normal temperatures, with the first harvest expected to yield 4 tons per decare. Meanwhile, NIHORT is addressing watermelon farming issues in Bauchi State, Nigeria, by visiting farmers' farms to find lasting solutions. On the other hand, Spanish watermelon imports decreased by 11.2% YoY in 2023, while emerging competitors weakened Morocco's export dominance. Lastly, the Australian melon industry experienced a 7% YoY decrease in production, but its financial value rose to USD 248.2 million. The industry invests in research and development, with over USD 1.4 million allocated to research and development through the Hort Innovation Melon Fund.

Antalya's Early Watermelon Harvest Begins Amid Above-Normal Temperatures

In Turkey, the price of watermelon in the Dikmen District of Serik district ranges from USD 0.71 per kilogram (kg) to USD 0.77/kg (TRY 23/kg to TRY 25/kg), and the first harvest is expected to yield approximately 4 tons per decare. The harvest started early in Antalya due to above-normal air temperatures. Moreover, the local watermelons, planted on Jan-24, compete well against Iranian watermelons in aroma and taste. A Turkish trader emphasized the importance of supporting domestic products, stating that the harvested watermelons will be sent to Ankara and available nationwide.

NIHORT Takes Steps to Address Watermelon Farming Issues in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) Gombe Centre is addressing challenges watermelon farmers face in Bara Village, Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi State in Nigeria. Concerns over diseases and pests have led farmers to migrate to Cameroon. The Deputy Head of NIHORT announced that a research team will visit the village to engage with farmers and inspect their farms. This visit is the first step in a research effort to find lasting solutions to watermelon cultivation problems in the area.

Spanish Watermelon Imports Decline in 2023, Morocco's Export Dominance Weakened by Emerging Competitors

An article published on April 4, 2024, reports that Spanish watermelon imports decreased by 11.2% YoY in 2023, resulting in a 16.8% year-over-year (YoY) decrease in total import value. Spain's top supplier, Morocco experienced a 23.8% YoY export decline. Furthermore, watermelon imports from Morocco decreased in value from USD 87.4 million (EUR 81.55 million) to USD 56.1 million (USD 52.38 million). In contrast, watermelon imports from Senegal rose by 21.3% YoY, and Mauritania surged by 372.4% YoY. This indicates the changing dynamics of the watermelon market, with traditional suppliers like Morocco facing competition from emerging competitors.

Australian Melon Production Dropped by 7% in 2023

An article published on April 3, 2024, reports that the Australian melon industry's production in 2023 decreased for the second year, dropping by 7% YoY to 226 thousand metric tons (mt). However, the industry's financial value rose to USD 248.2 million. Although melon exports decreased slightly in volume, their export value increased. The industry is investing in its future, with over USD 1.4 million allocated to research and development for 2022/23 through the Hort Innovation Melon Fund, supported by USD 678 thousand in levies from melon producers. The industry's strategic plan for the 2022/26 campaign aims to align future investments with industry priorities to address challenges and capitalize on the growth in financial value.