Russian cucurbits expand geographical boundaries
It is noted that watermelons make around 70% of the overall production.
This year the main growing areas are concentrated in the South Volga region, i.e. Astrakhan, Volgograd, Kalmykia. It is interesting to know that in terms of total area of watermelon fields, Russia shares the third line with Iran (144 000 hectares each). China and Turkey head the list with 180 000 ha and 166 000 ha respectively.
Yury Bykovsky, an expert from National Research Institute of Vegetable Production, emphasizes the recent geographical expansion of cucurbits growing in Russia. It has now spread to the Southern regions of Voronezh, Tambov and Orenburg. A fast growing demand on cucurbits has contributed to this expansion.
Source: www.fruitnews.ru