Nicknamed the Sahara of Romania, the region around Dabuleni is one of the main producers of watermelons in the EU.
In Dăbuleni, a small town in southwestern Romania, carts full of watermelons wait for buyers in the sun. Some are already rotten and are thrown on the ground.
“I sell them for between 12 and 16 euro cents, depending on the merchandise. Some are damaged. For example, for this one, I ask for 15 cents and nobody wants them. I have four tons. I threw away a load. So another four tons. It makes me sick.”explains a watermelon producer.
According to the producers, Unpredictable weather causes delay in harvest in Dăbuleni. As a result, several regions found themselves with watermelons for sale at the same time. Hence a lower price than last year.
“Last year, watermelons were in demand until the end of the season. And they sold for more.”explains another producer.
In local markets, Dăbuleni producers say they are making some sales, but at a price significantly lower than last year.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Romania produces more than 22% of the European Union’s watermelons.
