Tonga will export only 5000 tonnes of squash this year, a more than 50% drop from the 10,215 tonnes that it exported last year.

The industry is fighting for dear life after a record low returns from its last year's squash export.

At the beginning of this year's growing season the Tonga Squash Council was targeting to export 6,355 tonnes, but the Secretary General of the Tongan Squash Council Stephen Edwards said that this year's crop was affected by the sunny weather, and therefore a low yield of 5000 tonnes.

He said tht the main contributing factor to the low quantity of squash this year was because many growers encountered huge losses last year and were shying away from the industry. The squash this year was grown entirely by the export companies, and the government which has grown 100 acres.

Despite the small tonnage, Stephen was hopeful that they could fetch a better price per kilogram, comparing with last year.

The Tonga Squash Council in the beginning of the season targeted to export about 6,355 metric tonnes but because of the low yield there will only be two shipments this season to Korea and Japan.

Stephen said the first vessel will arrive in Tonga this weekend, and they are targeting to ship 2,500 tonnes.

The second vessel will come later in the month and will remain in Nuku...’alofa until all the squash harvested are loaded.