This insight brief describes the current flow of products and stakeholders involved in the melon and watermelon value chain in Karakalpakstan. It also presents the constraints and opportunities to be considered by regulators, technical advisory service providers and potential investors, in order to support the development and improvement of the value chain.
The value chain of melon and watermelon in Karakalpakstan ends with the commercialization of fresh products, with no major transformation and limited value addition from the production stage up to the distribution stage. Constraints, such as poorly developed business and managerial skills, low financial literacy and a lack of access to market information, suppliers, competitors, technology and resources for leveraging investments are key reasons for the slow development of the value chain. Yet, in terms of opportunities, high-value processed melon crops can yield higher prices in the market and can be easier to transport.
In terms of processing practices, sorting, washing and packaging can add value to melons and watermelons; however, and depending on the targeted markets, additional processes such as peeling, cutting, and/or drying can be explored. Unrealized opportunities exist for exporting fresh produce, especially for melon.
This publication is a key product of GGGI's project Aral Sea GRIP in Uzbekistan, funded by KOICA.