In view of the impact of the rain and hail storms of the last few days on the melon and watermelon plantations in Murcia, José Cánovas, president of the melon and watermelon sector of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers-Exporters of the Region of Murcia, Proexport, says that "without a doubt, we are going to see some delay in the development of the crops."
"The crops have naturally been affected," says Felipe López, FECOAM's vegetable representative. "We've had heavier rain than in the DANA of 2019, with 45-50 liters in just 20 minutes, but there will be no shortage of melons and watermelons. There will be slightly less production, but sufficient and of good quality. We will be able to fulfill our programs as usual."
The campaign is currently in full swing for melon and watermelon growers with plantations in Campo de Cartagena, Águilas, Totana, Lorca, Caravaca, Calasparra and Jumilla, in the Region of Murcia, and in some areas in the south of the province of Albacete.
"Although there have been some minor damages, the general situation is not at all worrying. Still, while the plantations may recover from the hail, because they are still in the early stages, we have had at least 40 hectares damaged by the rains," says Cele Buendía, manager of Melones El Abuelo and member of Proexport.
Watermelon ripening has been delayed
The late rain is also not good for watermelons. "They are greening up, and they'll need an extra 4-5 days of cultivation to recover the flavor we strive for," says Marisa Sasiain, head of Alimer's international department. "It is still too early to assess the impact of the rains, but for the time being there is no visible damage, and we are very optimistic about this season," she says.
The Region of Murcia has more than 3,000 hectares of melons and another 2,400 hectares of watermelons and the peak of the production and exports is reached at the beginning of summer, from mid-June to mid-August.
The main watermelon varieties grown are the black and striped, both seeded and seedless, and the mini. The most important melon varieties are the Galia, Yellow, Cantaloupe, Piel de Sapo and Charentais.
"Our efforts are focused on maintaining the quality of our products, meeting consumer expectations and fulfilling our commitments with our clients," says Cánovas. "We have to make it clear that quality has not been affected," says José Cánovas.
For more information:
Proexport
Ronda Levante, 1 Entlo.
30008 Murcia, Spain
Tel.: +34 968 27 17 79
[email protected]
www.proexport.es