New ‘Sun Bao’ watermelon on local market

THERE is a new variety of watermelon, named “Sun Bao”, on the local market.
The project was a partnership between farmer, Ramesh Mahadeo, of Canal Number Two Polder and Caribbean Chemicals.
Extension Officers of NAREI, during routine visits to the farm, provided technical support.

However, the farmer’s over 25 years’ experience in producing watermelons was instrumental in the successful harvest.
This is a significant achievement for the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s agriculture diversification agenda since there were only three varieties (Mickey Lee and, to a lesser extent, the Charleston Grey and Sugar Baby) on the local market.

“I have planted watermelons for years. I had many failures planting watermelons but I never gave up. Through trials and error, I have learnt that I must get the soil right to plant watermelons. So, for this project, I invested in getting the soil right,” the 45-year-old farmer said.
Another important decision he took was to research his crop. Ramesh, who was an industrial engineer before becoming a farmer, utilises Google for information.

He found himself looking for new practices that would enhance his farming operations.
“I have moved away from planting seeds directly into the beds. I now plant seedlings. I find that when you plant the seeds directly, you have to wait longer to see if the seeds will germinate. Then during the two to three-week period, weed becomes a problem. But when you plant the seedling, you know the plants will grow,” Mahadeo explained.

According to the farmer, marketing this variety posed no difficulty. In fact, persons enjoy the sweet, juicy watermelon.