A month before the watermelon and melon campaign in the province of Almeria starts, and despite the negative predictions at the beginning of the planting of these spring harvests, producers are optimistic. ASAJA-Almeria had predicted the area devoted to these crops would fall by 10% over the previous year, especially in the West of Almeria, due to good vegetable prices at the end of the autumn campaign and the fear of viruses due to the change of cultivation.However, in Níjar, the cultivation area has remained the same as last year, according to Jacobo, a farmer from the region. According to Andres Gongora, provincial secretary of COAG Almeria, the crop cycles were shorter and fruits ripened faster due to the mild winter so more farmers decided to plant late watermelon varieties.
Producers expect a good harvest, but there’s uncertainty about prices. “It’s an unknown factor,” Jacobo stated. Watermelon production is very uncertain because of its high production costs and the risk of viruses. Thus, some farmers opt to grow vegetables, considered a safer product.
The area devoted to melon production will remain similar to the previous season, with a preference for traditional varieties and fewer hectares of Galia and Cantaloup melons. The Piel de Sapo melon, especially in the Adra and Balanegra areas, will continue to be a safe bet for farmers.
