Watermelon production in the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz has decreased by over 50% because of the last rains that affected the performance of this fruit. However, the valley's harvest, where there have been no problems with rain, is expected to come out between November and December.
According to Noe Moron, president of the Association of Horticultural and Fruit Growers (Asofruth), last year an area of 100 hectares of watermelons had yields of up to 800 melons per hectare. This year, however, the same planting area has had yields between 200 and 400 watermelons per hectare.
"The last rain has hurt us a lot. I have two hectares and the rains affected 50% of my production, so prices will be high," said Moron, adding that there was no government or institutional support for this productive sector.
The current production is coming from Terebinto, Paurito, Cotoca, La Angostura and other areas around the city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, where nearly 80 farmers have their crops.
Meanwhile, Mario Requinta, general manager of Asofruth, said that while there will be a lower supply of watermelon in October, the production of the Santa Cruz valleys (Los Negros, Pampa Grande, Saipina, and other areas), which represent the area with the biggest production of this crop in the department, and which haven't been damaged by the rains, should enter the market in November and December.
"The area cultivated in this sector has had a very important increase as it went from 710 to 750 hectares, especially in Pampa Grande and Saipina. Currently, prices are high in the markets, between 35 and 40 Bolivars per unit, and 3 Bolivars per slice. However, when the product starts coming out of the valleys, prices will drop to 25 and 30 Bolivars per unit, and 2 Bolivars per slice," Requinta said.
Source: eldia.com.bo