Brazil: Watermelon production increasing rapidly

The seeding of the watermelon production in Itápolis (SP) is happening at a faster pace. In total about 2,500 hectares should be planted in October. Last month, the production covered approximately 50% of the available area. HF Brasil explains that the climate has been beneficial for the cultivation of watermelon, as the rainfall in August reduced the need for irrigation and reduced production costs. With this greater production from last month, an increase in supply from this region is expected as of November. Two other regions in São Paulo, Marília and Oscar Bressane, finished their seeding in August, the first harvest was done in September and increased volumes are expected from this week on.

Despite the water crisis in the Northeast of Brazil, investments are done in the technology by some producers of Vale do São Francisco (BA/PE). According to HF Brasil this ensured a better quality of melons from this region this year. The cantaloupe melons from Bahía/Pernambuco experience a good demand from both national and international buyers.

Papaya
The quality of the papaya in the main producing areas in Brazil was affected by the winter of 2017, due to rainfall and low temperatures. HF Brasil reported that the rainfall in July, (mainly in the regions Bahía, Espírito Santo and the coast of Rio Grande do Norte), favoured the development of fungal diseases in the orchards. As mentioned in previous published articles the papaya suffered from black spots, which affected sales. In addition to this, low prices in the market made producers spray less which affected the quality again.

It was reported by HF Brasil that in the region of Rio Grande do Norte, the rainfall in July resulted in a less favourable flowering and the soil became less nutritious. This raised the production costs and meant smaller volumes were available. Even though there has been a lot of rainfall, the water deficit hasn't fully recovered.