The long-awaited harvest to close the watermelon season in Morocco has proved disappointing in terms of volume, although "better than last year in terms of quality and size", reports Larache-based grower Oussama Baioua.
"The harvest began a few days ago and watermelons have made a comeback on the market. This season, we have been able to avoid last season's scenario. The quality is very good, unaffected by viruses and pests. Sizes are also much better, up to 17 kg", explains the grower.
The quality problems encountered last season in the region, as well as this season in Morocco's early watermelon regions, have discouraged growers. According to Baioua, "the acreage planted with watermelon has fallen considerably, by 60-70% compared with last year. Growing watermelons was too risky, not to mention prohibitively expensive".
And it's too late to recover this season, despite satisfying quality, says the grower. "May is the best time to plant. So we're going to end the season on this note and work with the volumes we have, with a peak expected from mid-July onwards."
For more information:
Oussama Baioua
Domaine Baioua
Tel : +212 662-798410
Email: [email protected]