W34: Watermelon Update

In W34 in the watermelon landscape, farmers in Khulna, Bangladesh, are experiencing a positive outcome from off-season watermelon cultivation, which has exceeded the Department of Agricultural Extension's (DAE) target of 430 hectares (ha). Around 496 ha of land, including the Gopalganj, Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Pirojpur regions under the Agriculture Development Project Crop (GKBSP), have been utilized for watermelon farming. The project Director of GKBSP mentioned that despite a lack of marginal profits due to summer drought, the rainy season is forecasted to yield higher profits for farmers, leading to increased interest in watermelon cultivation.

Belgian melons and watermelons have faced challenging sales despite their excellent quality and availability this season. Bad weather and competition from countries like Spain and France have hindered sales growth. The Charentais watermelon season is concluding, while the melon season will continue for conventional and organic products. Despite the difficulties, Belgian melons have found success as locally-grown produce. The advantage of harvesting them ready-to-eat with a higher Brix degree and optimal aroma has attracted consumers. However, price sensitivity exists among Belgian consumers, and the aim is not to eliminate Spanish or French products but to offer an appealing local alternative.

Melon prices in La Mancha, Spain, had rapidly declined week-on-week (WoW), dropping from USD 1.08/kg (EUR 1/kg) to USD 0.39/kg (EUR 0.36/kg) in W34 due to oversupply and cooler temperatures in central Europe, a significant market. In the 2022/23 season, melon cultivation has increased to 5.50 thousand ha, while watermelon cultivation decreased to around 3.30 thousand ha in Castilla-La Mancha.

Wholesale watermelon prices in Moldova have experienced a rapid 20% WoW decline, reaching an average of USD 0.22/kg (MDL 4/kg), down from USD 0.28 to 0.34/kg (MDL 5 to 6/kg) in W33. This downward trend is forecasted to continue until the end of August 2023.

Lastly, following inspections of areas affected by flood and rain in Chile's south-central region on August 21, the Agriculture Minister assessed crop damage and indicated that food prices might see a limited increase. The most impacted crops include watermelon, melons, beans, carrots, cherries, and raspberries. O'Higgins University, Maule, and parts of Nuflé experienced severe crop damage. However, regions such as Valparaíso, Santiago Metropolitan Region, and Biobío Region, situated in elevated areas, have faced relatively minor harm to agricultural activities.