W7 Melon and Watermelon Update: South Carolina's Watermelon Production Declines by 35%, Brazil's Watermelon Harvest Progresses Amid Sunlight Challenges, and Panama Revises Agricultural Projections for 2023/24 Watermelon Production

Published Feb 23, 2024

In W7 in the watermelon and melon landscape, South Carolina's production dropped 35% YoY in 2023, as reported in the W7 update. Meanwhile, Brazil's harvest is progressing despite sunlight challenges. Guayabal, Guárico, faces difficulties with financing and crop shifts, while Panama's agricultural projections have been revised to 850 thousand ha, with a projected yield of 35.2% per ha. Panama's watermelon industry has potential for export markets in Europe, the Americas, and Africa, with high demand for commercial varieties like Quetzalí and Joya.

South Carolina's Watermelon Production Plummets by 35% in 2023

The United States (US) produced 26 estimated vegetable and melon crops totaling 758 million carcass weight (cwt) in 2023, marking a 6% year-over-year (YoY) increase. However, in South Carolina, watermelon production in 2023 totaled 101 million pounds (lbs), a significant decrease of 35% YoY. The value of watermelon production also declined by 40% YoY, amounting to USD 17 million.

Brazilian Watermelon Harvest Thrives in Soledade Despite Sunlight Challenges in Bagé Region

In Soledade, Brazil, the harvesting of watermelons in cities like Encruzilhada do Sul and Rio Pardo is progressing well, and watermelons are benefiting from more regular rains in Jan-24. This has led to larger and sweeter watermelons with improved flavor. Prices for producers remain steady, with watermelons selling at USD 0.34 per kilogram (BRL 1.7/kg) in the market. In the Bagé region, particularly in Quaraí, the harvest of watermelons and melons is also underway, with these fruits being widely available. However, some crops have been affected by intense sunlight, resulting in fruit burns.

Watermelon Farmers in Guayabal, Guárico, Struggle with Financing and Crop Changes

Small watermelon producers in Guayabal, Guárico state, have faced challenges in continuing their production due to a lack of financing. An engineer and National Agriculture Project member noted a crop shift, with traditional staples like beans and corn declining. At the same time, lesser-known items like watermelon have increased. Ruja called for new government policies to provide financing through public banks to support small and medium-sized producers in the region. Additionally, criminal gangs have caused concern among farmers, leading some to abandon their farms. However, recent security operations have helped improve the situation, with criminal gangs being dismantled and security in the area showing signs of improvement.

Panama Revises Agricultural Projections for 2023/24 with Increased Yield Expectations

Panama's agricultural projections for 2023/24 have been revised to 850 thousand hectares (ha), with a projected yield of 35.2 thousand kg/ha instead of the initially estimated 1 thousand ha. Despite this adjustment, the country aims to increase production and international market sales. The watermelon industry in Panama has great potential, with export markets in Europe, the Americas, and Africa. The country grows commercial watermelon varieties, with Quetzalí and Joya in high demand globally. Provinces like Veraguas, Coclé, and Panamá Oeste are known for their watermelon production, with the planting season between May and June and harvesting between January and March. The industry focuses on meeting the international demand for seedless and individual watermelons.