Organic watermelon festival held at Tuen Mun Farmers' Market

A Local Organic Watermelon Festival has been held at Tuen Mun Farmers' Market.

Over 30 local farmers set up stalls at the market to display and sell their organic watermelons and other premium fruits and vegetables. By interacting with farmers, customers can learn more about organic farms and produce in Hong Kong.

The two-day festival was jointly organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Federation of Vegetable Marketing Co-operative Societies Ltd to support and promote local organic farming.

The AFCD provided technical support and field instruction to farmers for cultivating a new variety of organic watermelon, "Diana", and three other improved produce varieties, namely the mini wax gourd "Mini Jade", the green bitter cucumber "Jade No.9" and the yellow cucumber "Golden Fox". More than 20 000 of the organic melons will be ready for sale this summer. Other local premium organic produce such as leafy vegetables, legumes, lychees and guavas, as well as other vegetables and fruits in season, are also available at the farmers' market.

The AFCD has been assisting local farmers to develop the market for organic food. There are a number of organic vegetable retail outlets under the Vegetable Marketing Organisation marketing network, including large supermarkets, MTR shops, health food stores and the Lions Nature Education Centre outlet at Tsiu Hang, Sai Kung.