In Rio Grande do Sul, the watermelon harvest is underway, with Bagé, Quaraí, and Pelotas regions highlighted for their activity. These areas are reporting satisfactory productivity, fruit quality, and market competitiveness. São Gabriel, part of the Bagé region, has seen 75 hectares under cultivation, with a third of the harvest completed. The growth stages vary, with 30% of crops fruiting, another 30% flowering, and 10% in vegetative growth. Harvested watermelons are notably large, averaging 17 to 20 kg, primarily of the Jubilee, Conquista, and Combat varieties. Farmgate prices are between R$1.80 and R$1.90 per kilo ($0.35-$0.37), with retail prices ranging from R$25 to R$30. About 40% of the harvest caters to local demand, with the remainder distributed to nearby areas. Quaraí reports 70 hectares planted, with a tenth of its crop already harvested.
Soledade's watermelon cultivation is progressing despite drier conditions, with no major losses reported. Pelotas anticipates increased harvesting activities from February 2025, following successful cultural treatments. In Rio Grande, 60% of watermelon crops are fruit-bearing. Santa Rosa's melon growers, employing mulch and drip irrigation techniques, are enjoying a robust harvest period with high-quality produce fetching an average of R$7.00 per kilo ($1.36) on the regional market.
Source: Abrafrutas