Watermelon production continues to expand in Paraguay, where more than 4,000 hectares are currently under cultivation and output is supplying both the domestic market and export destinations.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the country produced more than 65,000 tonnes of watermelon in 2023, generating an estimated US$12 million from domestic sales and exports. Production is now forecast to exceed 80,000 tonnes, supporting Paraguay’s wider strategy to diversify its agricultural sector.
Main production areas
The crop is mainly grown in the departments of Concepción, San Pedro, Caaguazú, Cordillera, Paraguarí and Itapúa. Horqueta, in Concepción, and Guayaibí, in San Pedro, are among the leading production areas, while Caaguazú and Cordillera also contribute to national output.
MAG supports watermelon growers through technical assistance, knowledge transfer and programmes aimed at family farming. These actions include training in crop management, soil preparation, planting density and pest control.
Support for commercialisation
The ministry also assists producers with commercialisation by helping to strengthen value chains and identify market opportunities. The aim is to increase productivity, reduce production costs and improve the competitiveness of small and medium-sized growers in both domestic and export markets.
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More than 70% of Paraguay’s watermelon production is supplied to the local market, including social and school feeding programmes. At the same time, the sector is increasingly targeting export opportunities as growers improve product quality, consistency and logistics.
A driver of regional employment
The expansion of watermelon production is also supporting employment across producing regions through farming, transport, distribution and commercialisation activities.
Government agencies, producer associations and private-sector organisations are working to improve the sector’s long-term competitiveness through better logistics infrastructure, technical training, improved farming practices and the development of new export markets.
Although watermelon remains a smaller export crop than soybeans, corn and beef, its continued growth reflects Paraguay’s efforts to diversify agricultural production and expand market opportunities for regional producers.
