Honduras melon exports grow

Honduran exports of melon, including canteloupe, honeydew and watermelon, increased by more than a third to $70 million for the year ending last August, compared to $52 million for the previous 12 months, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

The improvement is attributable to a 28 percent increase in international prices and a 5 percent increase in volume, following efforts to diversify the market.

Taiwan last Julty approved the purchase of melons from the Montelibano and and Santa Rosa farms, of 400 hectares and 800 hectares, respectively, which together generate more than 5,000 direct jobs.

Japan last year allowed the importation of Honduran melons, whose main buyers are the United States and the Netherlands.

Valle and Choluteca in the southern part of the country are the principle melon-producing regions.