The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will introduce three varieties of organic watermelons and two specialty crops at the Local Organic Watermelon Festival.
The watermelons - Yellow Orchid, Diana and Super Sweet Black Angel 168 - have been brought into Hong Kong by the department from Thailand, Taiwan and Australia.
The two specialty crops are the traditional local variety of Seven Star hairy gourd and the new locally bred Broad Shoulder bitter gourd.
Agricultural Officer Chen Yi-min said the Broad Shoulder bitter gourd was developed by a local seed company from the noted local species known as Chisel of Thunder God.
He said the Broad Shoulder retains the characteristic mild bitter taste of the original line and has also developed better stress-resistant abilities and enhanced yield.
Its conical shape and broad upper-end give it the name Broad Shoulder.
The department has been promoting local crop varieties and providing technical guidance to organic farmers on growing watermelon and other crops to strengthen the sustainability of local agriculture.
The festival will be held at Tai Po Farmers' Market on July 1 and 2. Admission is free.
The 50 participating farmers will showcase watermelons as well as other local premium organic produce in season.
