The temperature increased in Weifang, Shandong, during "May 1st", just as local watermelons entered the market in large volumes. The price of watermelons prior to May 1st was around 3 yuan [0.44 USD] per 0.5 kg, which is higher than around the same time last year. Farmers and traders explained that the price is high because market demand is strong and temperatures are high. A spokesperson of the Weifang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that the overall surface area devoted to greenhouse watermelon plantation in Weifang has expanded in recent years. The regional product variety is quite visible in the market.
Some watermelon farmers anticipated current market conditions. watermelon production areas suffered from cold weather in early February and lack of sufficient sunlight in the middle of February. Farmers had to replace some of the young watermelon plants. Temperatures began to rise in late February and the late watermelon plants quickly developed. That is the reason why watermelons from various production areas all enter the market around the same time and in large volumes.
Some farmers saw a decline in their watermelon production volume as a result of the unpredictable, cold weather in February. This is one of the reasons for the current strong price of watermelons. The price was still relatively low before May 1st, but when the temperature rose and market demand followed, the price naturally went up as well.
Source: Weifang Evening News