In Hungary the climate conditions have allowed the early ripening process of melons – including watermelons – and there has been no weather-related issues that hinder the development of these fruits. According to the Association of Hungarian Melon Growers have stated that Hungarian watermelons will arrive on the market in June and availability at supermarkets following in the near future. Matyas Goczo, the federal president, has highlighted the vital step of taking off the foil cover to allow an increase in production. In spite of a surge in manufacturing costs, the business is benefited by a drop in fertilizer costs.

The landscape of melon production in Hungary is changing and production is now better-performing despite a decrease in the land that is that is being cultivated. The area of production is now 2,900 hectares and is expected to yield of between 140 and 60,000 tonnes. This increase is largely because of the decline in trade markets for exports in the face of Southern European competitors, prompting Hungarian producers to adapt modern technologies and new varieties of melons. Nowadays 95 percent of melons’ production is devoted to hybrid and grafted melons to increase competition as well as resistance to disease.

The foil’s introduction has resulted in a quicker starting of the season for melon and has contributed to the industry’s effectiveness and maintaining the quality and flavor.

Source: trademagazin.hu