The Melon and Watermelon Interprofessional of Castile-La Mancha believes that the acreage devoted to the cultivation of both fruits in the region this campaign will be "very similar" to that of previous seasons, standing at around 10,000 hectares. 7,000 of these correspond to melons and 3,000 to watermelons, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment.
In terms of volume, last season's melon production exceeded 200,000 tonnes, while the watermelon one stood at 113,000 tonnes, according to ministerial data.
The Interprofessional has recommended producers of both fruits "to continue betting on quality from the planting; that is to say, from the start of the cycle." This process entails a correct selection of seeds, of suitable varieties and of agronomic practices.
Regarding the planting stage, the president of the Interprofesional, Cristóbal Jiménez, has pointed out that "it should have a normal development, because after the latest rains, the soil is in very good condition and the production methods are very advanced."
Jiménez has also warned about the allocation of water for irrigation for the main production areas of both products, stating that "they are very limited and this must be taken into account when carrying out the agronomic planning."
The president of the Interprofessional said he is firmly confident about the sector's good future, "because in the months when consumption peaks due to the heat, the melons and watermelons of Castile-La Mancha stand out in the national, European and global market." Jiménez said that the annual cycle of melon cultivation begins in Brazil and continues in Senegal, Morocco, Almeria, Levante and Andalusia, Murcia and finally, La Mancha, where production peaks from 15 August to 12 October.
Source: Europa Press
