Horticultural tenders help the survival of Hungarian melon production

(Photo: Pixabay)

Imre Hubai welcomed the fact that Hungarian producers are able to produce high-quality melons even in the midst of extreme heat and prolonged drought, which – he added – is also essential because it is particularly important to cover the need for fluids with fresh vegetables and fruits at such times. Hungarian open-field melons are now available throughout the country, but thanks to the spread of plastic tent cultivation, domestic supply has been available earlier. The Secretary of State sees that with the development of technology and the expansion of the variety range, the harvest is becoming more beautiful and better, the increase in yields means a secure livelihood, while sales have also become easier, and the supply is better suited to the needs of customers.

More than 1,300 people grow melons in Hungary, of which about 300 also grow cantaloupe

Compared to last year, more people are engaged in watermelons by almost 10 percent and cantaloupes by 15 percent. The watermelon production area has not changed significantly, approaching 3,600 hectares this year, while the cantaloupe production area has increased by about 60 percent, so it now covers more than 200 hectares. Imports fell significantly last year, but the volume and total value of exports also decreased somewhat, which is why the Ministry of Agriculture would like to help improve the sales opportunities of producers. Based on the investment needs, farmers see serious opportunities in production, and tender evaluations are ongoing in the summer, said Imre Hubai, who continues to consider the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia as the most important target countries for Hungarian melon exports. In domestic sales, supermarket chains account for 60-65 percent, with the rest coming from markets, greengrocers and outdoor sales. The short supply chain and direct producer sales are particularly advantageous because they are more sustainable, and melons do not require packaging. The average domestic consumption per capita may exceed 10 kilograms, but it could be even more, as Hungarian melons have an excellent composition, are tasty and healthy thanks to the environmental conditions and professional farming, the state secretary said.

The deputy managing director of the Agricultural Marketing Center (AMC) said that the annual harvest could reach 200 thousand tons

This makes melon one of the most important fruit varieties in the Hungarian horticultural sector. Gergely Giczi added that the consumption promotion campaign, which has been organized annually since 2016, will extend to social media this year, and tastings will also be held in several markets in the capital and in the countryside, as well as in Erzsébet-Táborok and the Tisza Lake Eco-Centre. The vice president responsible for open-field vegetable production at the FruitVeB Vegetable-Fruit Association explained that climate change is determining the prospects for melon producers throughout Europe. István Varga said that Hungarian farmers started the year with confidence, but spring frosts damaged the plantations, and in June, unusual heat and drought caused problems. A predictable yield can now only be ensured through irrigation, but effective sales are also necessary to maintain the desire for production, he added.

AM/MTI