The Spanish melon and watermelon season is not getting off to a good start. According to data from Valencia association Ava-Asaja production of both lines could be some 30 to 40 per cent down on last season as drought and previous poor seasons make growers cautious. The association estimates that production in its region will be down by 30 per cent on watermelon and 40 per cent on melons.
“A lot of growers were so fed up with suffering losses year after year, that finally they stopped planting melons and watermelons in their fields,” said Juan Salvador Torres, of Ava-Asaja. “And if that was not enough, the water shortages have ended up convincing those that were still wavering.” Growers using water from some sources in the region have been advised not to plant any more by authorities who cannot guarantee supply for the whole production cycle.
Growers in Almería paint a similar picture. Official estimates put the melon crop down some 14 per cent on last season, with watermelon some 20 per cent down. As far as variety breakdown is concerned, yellow production has gained share on Galia, Canteloupe and Piel de Sapo. While dark-skinned seedless watermelon is gaining share on light-skinned and seeded varieties.
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