The proliferation of white midge and mildew, coupled with the rains in the region, has negatively affected the producers of late melon varieties in the municipalities of Matamoros and Viesca.
To control the pest each producer must invest between 5,000 and 6,000 pesos to fumigate his crops.
At their own risk
The president of the National Association of Melon Producers, Jesús Zárate Muñoz said farmers were facing the proliferation of these pests and had no support from the governing federal and state agencies because those who ventured to plant late melon did so at their own risk.
"Melon producers are alone, we have no support from any agency. We have to do everything ourselves because if you decide to plant late varieties you do it at your own risk," he said.
These circumstances, said the interviewee, have caused a decline in crop yields as much of the crop is damaged and the expectations were to harvest up to 25 tons per hectare.
Additionally, the harvest has been delayed a bit, so it will begin from September 20, when in the past seasons the harvest would be in full swing by now.
Area
Zarate Muñoz stated that there was a total of 400 hectares of fruit established in several communities in the municipalities of Matamoros and Viesca.
The president of the National Association of Melon Producers acknowledged that prices were very acceptable because in reached up to 7 pesos per kilo. Producers, however, aren't expecting good earnings because, he stressed, the plagues and the rains have dwindled yields.
"Right now the price is doing alright, because the fruit is being sold between 5 and 7 pesos, but the problem we are loosing fruits to the pest and the rains," he said.
Source: elsiglodetorreon