Spain: Murcia's citrus production to increase by 12%

Murcia's Council of Agriculture and Water expects a 12.1% increase in the Region's citrus harvest volumes for the coming campaign, with a production expected to reach 680,100 tonnes, compared to the 606,484 harvested last year. This was reported by the general director of Agro-Food Industry and Agricultural Training, Ángel García Lidón, during the presentation of the citrus harvest results for the 2012/2013 campaign and the prospects for next year.

Regarding lemons, the general director stressed that the availability of water will lead to the harvest being advanced," and the mild Spring and Summer temperatures will cause an increase in production, with a fruit in perfect conditions of health and outer appearance." The lemon production is expected to reach 390,000 tonnes, from which 300,000 will correspond to the Fino variety and the rest to Verna.

As for mandarins, a total production of 88,900 tonnes is expected. Regarding varieties, Clementine production volumes will increase by around 23.7%; Other mandarins by 23.2% and Satsumas by around 41%. He clarified that, "these increases are due to the expansions of crop acreage and the varietal conversions through regrafting."

He also highlighted the increase in production volumes of the late varieties, like the Nadorcott, Murcott and others, as a consequence of the entry into production of new plantations. In contrast, varieties such as the Marisol, Fortuna and Nova will see lower volumes.