Recently, Belarusians were told how much watermelon is currently being grown in the country, and were also given the expected harvest figure.
The corresponding information was made public by the deputy head of the main department of plant growing - head of the department of potato growing, fruit and vegetable growing, agrochemistry and plant protection of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Tatyana Karbanovich.
In 2023, the harvest of melons and gourds in agricultural organizations and peasant farms amounted to 501 tons (the average yield is about 85 c/ha), the department’s Telegram channel quotes the specialist as saying.
Where is it grown most?
According to her, today experience in growing watermelons in the climatic conditions of Belarus exists in virtually all regions of the republic.
I also noticed the profitability of this business, which influences the growing popularity of growing “striped ones”.
The Brest, Grodno and Minsk regions (mainly farmers) produce the most watermelons in the country.
Among the large organizations involved in the production of products, the ministry representative named:
- greenhouse complex "Berestye" of Brest district;
- Grodno Zonal Institute of Plant Growing of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus;
– JSC “Rassvet named after K.P. Orlovsky”.
Karbanovich says that the named organizations allocate “certain areas” for growing watermelons every year.
Secrets of successful production
She notes: watermelon, as is known, is a heat-loving crop (at all stages of cultivation, the temperature should not fall below +15 degrees).
Moreover, during the fruiting period, the optimal temperature for watermelon is about 25 degrees above zero.
But, as practice shows, compliance with agricultural technology, the use of covering materials, the use of zoned varieties and, above all, a great desire to get a sweet fruit, allow for the successful cultivation of watermelons, the specialist added.
She clarified: in Belarus, the most suitable conditions for melons are the central and southern regions.
Harvest volume
If weather conditions are favorable for growing the plant, as was the case in 2021, the harvest volume can be up to 1,500 tons, Karbanovich said.
The figure, she noted, does not include the personal farmsteads of Belarusians.
By the way. Currently, Belarus is focusing on growing such varieties and hybrids of watermelons as "Romanza", "Mison", "Tolgan", "Columbia", "Eureka" and others.
According to Karbanovich, Belarusian watermelons are sold through trade organizations, at markets, agricultural fairs, and they are also purchased by consumer cooperative organizations.
