Montenegro government secures storage for over 1,500 t of surplus watermelons

Watermelon producers in the Montenegrin municipalities of Tuzi and Zeta reported a market surplus of roughly 1,300‑1,500 tonnes that cannot be sold at the current price of ten cents per kilogram. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management responded by arranging emergency storage capacity for up to 1,500 tonnes for a period of 30 days, with all costs borne by the ministry. Storage will be made available within the next week after organisational steps are completed, and officials expect that commercial chains will gradually absorb the excess over the coming month.

The ministry has asked producers to submit detailed lists of their unsold quantities to enable accurate assessment and possible further interventions. Officials acknowledge that simultaneous ripening of large watermelon crops across the region – driven by changing climate conditions and expanded cultivation areas – has saturated local markets, limiting export options. The government’s mediating role includes coordination with producers, distributors, retailers and tourism operators to find additional outlets for the fruit.

Earlier, leading grower Valentin Junčaj warned that low state‑subsidised export prices and the absence of purchase guarantees were forcing producers to consider drastic measures, including abandoning production. The new storage solution aims to stabilise the market and protect domestic agricultural interests.