TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Hualien County leads Taiwan in watermelon production, but low temperatures this spring are expected to cause output to fall by 10%.
Roughly 1,600 hectares in the county are dedicated to watermelon cultivation, with the first harvest expected to yield 20,000 tonnes in mid-May. Due to the decline in production, prices are projected to rise significantly, per CNA.
Hualien County Department of Agriculture Director Chen Shu-wen (陳淑雯) said local watermelon prices have already been increasing. The purchase price from dealers is about NT$17 to NT$20 per catty (0.6 kg), while retail prices range from NT$23 to NT$25.
Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) said the county’s watermelons benefit from a favorable natural environment, producing sweet, high-quality fruit that is popular with consumers. Watermelon is an important economic crop for the area, and the local government is helping farmers expand distribution channels and enhance brand value.
The main growing areas include Yuli, Ruisui, Fenglin, and Shoufeng townships, with Fenglin Township accounting for 600 hectares, the largest share. Fenglin primarily produces large watermelons.
However, Fenglin has recently been hit by ringspot virus, which is transmitted by insects such as aphids. Infected fruit may become deformed or stop growing, affecting both quality and yield.
Agricultural officials advised farmers to purchase virus-free seeds or seedlings from reputable vendors. Diseased plants should be removed immediately when found during field inspections.
As temperatures rise, plant growth accelerates and pest activity increases. Farmers are urged to control vector insects like aphids and eliminate weeds that may serve as hiding places for pests.
Herbicide use must follow Ministry of Agriculture regulations, and adjusting fertilizer—such as reducing nitrogen and using calcium or boron supplements—can help lower pest incidence.
Farmers suffering losses from viruses or pests are encouraged to contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency for consultation and possible compensation, provided they submit the required documentation.
