After Customs Union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan came into force on 1 July, the flow of melons and watermelons from Central Asia has intensified enormously. The share of imported melons in big cities, industrial and resort centers of Russia exceeds 55%. Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan are among major suppliers. During July and the 1st decade of August more than 4,100 tones of melons and watermelons were shipped to Russia – 4 times more than in the same period 2009 – making other fruits face strong competition.
Source: Rossijskaya Gazeta