Fresh papaya production in Hawai'i is up 16 percent this year through May to 13.5 million pounds, according to an estimate by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

In May alone, the production estimate was 2.8 million pounds, up 18 percent from the same month last year.

Papaya growers reported being paid an average of 53 cents a pound for fresh fruit in May, 2 cents a pound more than April and 6 cents a pound more than May 2007.

Orchards experienced mostly sunny weather in May, though some orchards in drier areas would have benefitted from more rain, the NASS report said. The report also said some planting schedules have been delayed because of reduced seed availability.