Watermelon cultivation in Belarus
A couple of decades ago, the cultivation of watermelons in Belarus seemed to be an experiment rather than a full-scale branch of farming. Today, Belarusian watermelon growers obtain yields of dozens of tonnes, test dozens of varieties, and sell their products to buyers at local retail outlets. One of the farmers who has been engaged in watermelon cultivation for 19 years is Vladimir Krapivka. The farmer has about 4 hectares under watermelons. In the current season, he estimates the yield at approximately 35–45 tonnes, but the harvesting is still underway. The main limiting factor for watermelons in Belarusian conditions is not so much moisture as heat. Over the years of his work, Vladimir Krapivka has tested over 50 varieties, learned to adapt the technology to the Belarusian summer, and properly care for the crop. For the farmer, this is no longer an experiment or an exotic thing. This is a crop that he has been growing for almost two decades.
