The head of the vegetable department in the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture in the Gaza Strip, Hussam Abu Saada, said that "despite the frost and low temperatures registered in March and April, as well as the marked reduction in the acreage, we expect the local watermelon production in 2015 to reach 30,000 tonnes; a volume which would ensure self-sufficiency."
He explained that growers in the Gaza Strip have planted about 3,500 acres of watermelon this year, which is less than in past years, when the acreage reached up to 4,500 acres.
He pointed out that 30,000 tonnes is sufficient to cover the Gaza Strip's watermelon demand, stating that the annual average consumption stands at about 16 kilos per person.
He pointed out that his ministry is closely monitoring the cultivation of watermelon crops to ensure that the use of harmful chemical pesticides is avoided.
He also explained that the Ministry of Agriculture banned the importation of watermelons to support Palestinian farms and the development of the local agricultural sector.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced earlier last year that Palestinian producers in Gaza were able to achieve up to 97% "self-sufficiency" in the production of vegetables and an average of 70% for fruit.
Source: assabeel.net
