A Romanian has transformed agriculture into a successful business with an exotic culture. Has sold production in both Romania and EU countries

A farmer from Arad County brought home innovation after the experience of work abroad. Ionuț Ursa, 31 years old, cultivates one hectare of watermelon with a taste of hair, an exotic variety originating in South Korea, known as Cucumis Melo, Makuva variety.

The watermelon has an average weight between 500 and 600 grams. Photo: Facebook/Ionuț Ursa

The fruit is appreciated for its sweetness and the smaller dimensions than the classic yellow watermelons, and is sought especially in the Asian communities in Europe.

After working in construction in Germany, Ionuț Ursa returned to his native village, Ţela, Aradean commune, to invest in agriculture with the family.

“I grew up in the country with the land, I also had animals. Here is not necessarily an area with tradition on vegetables, but I gave up zootechnics when I went to Germany,” said the farmer for agrointeligence – agrointel.ro.

It is in the second year of watermelon production, after the first year has been successful, with sales made in both Romania and in several European countries, especially in Germany, where there is a high demand among Korean and Asian communities.

Watermelon-Ananas: Sweet, small and exotic

The watermelon has an average weight between 500 and 600 grams, rarely exceeding one kilogram. Is also known as “Pebene-Ananas” Due to the sweet taste, and is preferred for desserts and fresh consumption.

“This year I put the Asian melons on one hectare, that is, up to 3,000 plants. As costs for one hectare of watermelon culture approximately 8,000-10,000 lei, here I do not include the cost of seeds and our work. In Romania we did not sell quantities, but I gave 8-10 lei the kilogram”, said Ionuț Ursa.

The culture is not particularly sensitive, but it requires irrigation and attention to pests. The young farmer wants to expand the cultivated area in the coming years.