Watermelon Season Starts Early, Booming Exports Ahead [Video]

This year, watermelons have been spared any frost damage, allowing the season to commence two weeks earlier than usual. Minister of Agriculture, István Nagy highlighted in a video posted on his social media site, writes Index.

The Minister pointed out significant increases in watermelon exports in recent years, with robust domestic consumption: 10-12 kilograms per person annually for watermelons and 1.5-2.2 kilograms per person annually for melons. In 2024, 1,198 producers will cultivate watermelons and 269 producers will grow melons, covering a total of 3,665 hectares for watermelons and 436 hectares for melons—both areas showing growth from last year.

Mr. Nagy expects a robust watermelon harvest of 160-180,000 tons this season, driven by favorable weather conditions.

He emphasized that the current sunny and warm weather is ideal for melons, ensuring high-quality Hungarian melons available in stores.

Regarding watermelon exports, the Minister reported a substantial increase in 2023, reaching 47,000 tons—an 85% …