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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) introduced a new variety of organic watermelon and three other improved varieties of cucurbits, namely a mini wax gourd, a green bitter cucumber and a yellow cucumber, today (June 29).
The new variety of small-sized organic watermelon, "Diana", was introduced from Taiwan. The fruit is oblong in shape. Inside its bright yellow, striped skin lies flesh that is intense red in colour. It is seeded but remains very crispy, juicy and sweet.
The mini wax gourd "Mini Jade" is from Taiwan. The fruit is green and there is no gourd wax on its skin. Its flesh is finely textured.
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The green bitter cucumber "Jade No.9" is from Thailand. It is slender and fleshy. It grows fast and bears fruit well.
The yellow cucumber "Golden Fox" is a locally bred variety. The skin of this fleshy cucumber is rather thin. It has good cucurbit flavour and can be easily cultivated to give high yields.
All four varieties grow well in summer in Hong Kong and give high yields of good quality fruits. The response from both farmers and the market has been good.
The AFCD has given technical guidance to organic farmers about growing different cucurbits in recent years, and the farmers have tried their hand at growing the new varieties at their farms. With good harvests, their produce will be available in the market.
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To encourage farmers to expand their customer base and share their good yields, the AFCD and the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies Ltd (FVMCS) will organise a Local Organic Watermelon Festival at Tuen Mun Farmers' Market this Saturday and Sunday (July 2 and 3). Apart from the new cucurbit varieties, other local premium organic produce in season will also be available for sale.
Tuen Mun Farmers' Market is located at Crossroads Village, 2 Castle Peak Road, Tuen Mun (opposite Gold Coast Phase I), and is open from 10am to 4pm every Saturday. Admission is free.
For details of the Local Organic Watermelon Festival and arrangements under inclement weather conditions, please visit www.afcd.gov.hk.
The AFCD will continue to promote organic cultivation of premium fruit and vegetables to meet growing market demand.
Ends/Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:01
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