The watermelon varieties available in Shandong have changed significantly in comparison with previous years. The Sweet King watermelon variety accounted for almost half the production volume last year. This year the Sweet King watermelon variety occupies more than 90% of the surface area devoted to watermelon plantation in Shandong. The Sweet King is a high-end watermelon variety, but when the production volume is too large, the price will fall like any other product variety.
The supply season from different production areas shows strong overlap this year as a result of abnormal weather conditions. The earliest watermelon variety entered the market around Spring Festival [February 5th, 2019], but then the weather turned cold for two weeks. There was barely any sunshine and many watermelons suffered from frost. Some farmers had to replant watermelons to replace the ruined crop. The temperature stabilized in late February and the newly planted watermelons quickly developed. As a result the supply from many production areas enters the market around the same time.
The expansion of surface area devoted to Sweet King watermelons paradoxically results in a reduction of production volume. The Sweet King is a high-end watermelon variety that has a lower production volume per hectare than other varieties. When farmers abandon other varieties in favor of Sweet King watermelons, the overall production volume declines.
Source: cnhnb.com