The Mauritanian watermelon campaign is still underway, marked this year by an exceptional late production. Mauritanian exporters continue to supply European markets under strong competition from other origins, a commercial and agricultural challenge that is not easy to meet, according to Amine Amanatoullah, CEO of Maurifarm.
The grower reports: "The Mauritanian watermelon season is extended this year, with many growers taking the risk of both early and late production. The season started as early as December 15 and is still running, which is exceptionally long. It's feasible, but it's a very risky choice: from a commercial point of view, early watermelons arrive when it's still cold in Europe and the market is limited, and late watermelons enter into full competition with other origins, such as Morocco; and from an agricultural point of view, the longer season means that growers have to cope with colder temperatures, therefore having smaller sizes and having to fight against pests and diseases. This strategy also has its advantages, with a better presence on the market, especially when there is no competition, and better promotion of Mauritanian origin."
The prolonged season has not resulted in increased volumes, according to Amanatoullah, who explains: "We have not seen a peak in production, but rather a season stretched out over time, with the same surface area as last season. Lower yields of early watermelons have also contributed to containing volumes."
This commercial venture has produced satisfactory results, according to the grower. He continues: "Mauritanian exporters obtained good prices when there were no watermelons of other origins on the market, exceeding 1.4 EUR per kilo. Average prices this season are around 0.8-0.9 EUR per kilo, which is very satisfactory given the cost of production in Maritania, which is lower than that of competing origins such as Morocco. The season also saw periods when producers suffered. The market was quite diversified, with Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands leading demand, followed by the United Kingdom, France, and Spain."
The watermelon export industry has grown rapidly in Mauritania in recent years, sometimes resulting in a loss of control over the volumes produced, exceeding market needs and logistical capacities, and ultimately resulting in the loss of freshness of the watermelons on arrival at their destination. Amanatoulllah says, "This season, we see that the sector is stabilizing and self-regulating. Growers are gaining in experience and professionalism, and will continue to do so in the coming years. This is important, as the coming seasons will be difficult."
The grower continues, "I think that after several years of growth, it's time for production to stagnate. We are seeing the intensification of phytosanitary problems, such as aphids, and a new virus has been recorded for the first time in Mauritania this season. Production will also stagnate as the lunar month of Ramadan recedes on the solar calendar. A large part of watermelon consumption is favored by the Ramadan period, which is moving towards winter in the coming years. Moreover, there's a national effort to diversify agricultural production for export in Mauritania. We can grow more than just watermelons, and we have great potential in other fresh produce."
Amanatoullah concludes, "Watermelon growers are therefore called upon to control volumes more effectively and make more thoughtful planting decisions. This could be done, for example, through more exports under contract, or at least with agreements on the volume ranges needed by the market. This is something we're currently doing in consultation with the biggest growers, who this year organized themselves into an association for better control over volumes and quality."
For more information:
Amine Amanatoullah
Maurifarm
Tel: +22242202297
Email: [email protected]