今帰仁スイカのブランド力アップへ　若手スイカ農家が結集（沖縄テレビ）2023/2/15

Young watermelon producers have launched a new initiative to enhance the brand value of Nakijin watermelons. What is their vision for the future of Nakijin watermelons? Nakijin Village is Okinawa's leading watermelon producing area. A tasting event was held for approximately 100 local elementary school students to introduce them to the different varieties and flavors of locally grown Nakijin watermelons. School students commented: "Kinshoku Raoh is the most delicious, it's too sweet!" and "I realized it's so delicious because it's grown with such care." To further enhance the brand value of Nakijin watermelons, young local producers have started an initiative called the "Nakijin Watermelon Summit." Four producer cooperatives within the village are participating, aiming to improve watermelon cultivation techniques, ensure a stable supply to the market, and increase farmers' incomes by bringing together producers who previously had weak ties. Leading the initiative is Chairman Sho Uema. "By coordinating with the four cooperatives, we aim to unify the quality of Nakijin watermelons, or rather, to ensure that this standard is maintained. This will improve market evaluation, cultivation techniques, and ultimately, farmers' incomes. That's our main goal." Watermelon cultivation in Nakijin Village began approximately 90 years ago. While the village has actively promoted it, leading to high recognition within Okinawa Prefecture, shipments outside the prefecture remain at only about 10% of production, meaning it's still not widely known nationwide. This is due to challenges such as inconsistencies in varieties and quality, and the inability to maintain a stable shipment volume, stemming from a lack of cooperation among producers. Sho Uema: "What the market demands most is a stable and sustainable supply. Because of the fragmentation, we can't secure sufficient quantities, so we're hoping to find a way to cooperate and move forward." At the production site, there were also watermelon-growing professionals warmly supporting these efforts. This is Toshiyuki Hagiwara of the Hagiwara Farm Production Research Institute, which supplies seeds for more than half of the watermelons grown nationwide. President Toshiyuki Hagiwara: "First and foremost, securing both quality and quantity is essential. I believe that pursuing this direction is the most important foundation for the Nakijin brand to continue and develop." At a lecture held by the Nakijin Watermelon Summit, Mr. Hagiwara emphasized that the strength of Nakijin watermelons, which can stand alongside nationally renowned brands, lies in their ability to be produced even in winter due to the warm climate. "First and foremost, we want to create a production area where we can grow winter watermelons, something that can only be done in Okinawa." What future do the members of the Nakijin Watermelon Summit, who are eager to make Nakijin watermelons attractive to both farmers and consumers, envision? Daiki Nakamoto of the Nakijin Watermelon Summit: "First, we'll ship our watermelons throughout the year, and from there, we want to introduce Nakijin watermelons to people all over the country. We'll work hard to produce the best Nakijin watermelons in Japan." Sho Uema: "With the population aging rapidly, I think the fact that young producers have united is something that will be very valuable in the future."