The Supply Chains of Melons in Western China

摘要

Melons are regarded as a delicacy among the Chinese consumers. They are well known for their good flavour, sweetness and crispness. Melons are grown in the arid, remote areas of China, including Xinjiang, Gansu and Mongolia. The major markets for melons, however, are located hundreds of kilometres away, or even over 1000 km away. This study illustrates the supply of melons in western China at each of the supply levels: production, harvest, grading, purchasing, wholesale and retail, and the transport logistics. It highlights some of the issues that are obstacles to the effective supply of melons to other regions. This includes small-scale production, postharvest losses, large distances between growing areas and end markets, transaction-based relationships between growers and traders, and little information flow from end markets to farmers and collectors. To address these issues in the Chinese context, this study proposes to focus on the following to improve the supply chain: formalising the existing relationships among farmers with a view to sharing experiences and exchanging information; carrying out projects to identify and involve appropriate extension officers; and improving technological knowledge through the participation of in research and development (R&D) projects.