In Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, the watermelon market is experiencing significant difficulties, East Fruit reports. Producers report low demand, resulting in unharvested crops left in the fields. Some farmers resort to using watermelons as livestock feed, as noted by the Agrobloger Telegram channel.
Wholesale prices for watermelons in Uzbekistan dropped to a record low of $0.08 per kilogram. This price applies to watermelons that are already selected, delivered to the market, and offered for sale. Any lower price makes trading watermelons unprofitable.
The primary reason for the price collapse and low demand in Uzbekistan is the unprofitability of exporting to Russia, the main market. In Russia, watermelon prices have also fallen to record lows, with wholesale prices roughly equal to shipping costs from Uzbekistan.
Exporting watermelons to Eastern Europe and the EU is also challenging this season due to low prices in these regions. Overproduction in Ukraine caused a price collapse even before the mass harvesting season began. The price difference between Ukraine and Uzbekistan does not cover transport costs, making it more economical for EU countries to buy cheaper watermelons from Ukraine.
The situation in Tajikistan is similar to Uzbekistan. According to Bakhtiyor Abduvokhidov, an international expert in the fruit and vegetable business, "Farmers give out small watermelons for free, but large ones can still be sold, at least at some price."
Some market participants are cautiously optimistic that prices for quality watermelons may recover in Eastern Europe due to abnormally hot weather, which could reduce crop quality or quantity. Conversely, others believe that the upcoming mass harvesting of watermelons in the next 2-3 weeks could further drive down prices in the Ukrainian market.
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