Khulna: Farmers in the Khulna region are expecting a bumper production of watermelon this season, with trade projected to reach around Tk 349.98 crore. During Ramadan, growers across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, and Narail districts are preparing their produce for the market to capitalize on strong early-season demand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, watermelon, one of the most profitable Rabi crops due to its low production cost and quick marketing opportunity, is being cultivated on an increasing scale across the region, one of the country’s leading watermelon-producing zones. In the 2025-26 Rabi season, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) set a target to cultivate watermelon on 18,055 hectares of land in the region with a production target of 6.99 lakh metric tonnes. So far, cultivation has been completed on 13,729 hectares, achieving about 76 percent of the target.
During a recent visit to Koyra upazila in the coastal belt, farmers were found busy preparing seedbeds, transplanting seedlings, and irrigating their fields at the peak planting period. According to the upazila agriculture office, watermelon has been cultivated on about 2,600 hectares of land in Koyra this season, with hybrid and high-yielding varieties dominating the fields.
Talking to BSS, farmers Hanif Mia, Sobhan Sheikh, and Monjit Mondal expressed hope of making substantial profits through improved production. Sujan, a farmer of Chatkatala Beel, mentioned that he cultivated watermelon on eight bighas of land and expressed hope that regular advice from agriculture officials would help enhance production. Mithun Sarker of Chandipur Beel shared that the seedlings have emerged and proper care is being taken. He remains optimistic about a bumper yield if weather conditions remain favorable.
Another farmer, Apurba Saha, who leased eight bighas, explained that production costs may range between Tk 30,000 and 35,000 per bigha, with expected sales potentially reaching around Tk 1 lakh per bigha if yields are good. Upazila Agriculture Officer Tilok Kumar Ghosh noted that watermelon is a highly profitable crop and that farmers are likely to achieve bumper production with favorable weather.
Samiron Beoa, a 52-year-old graduate from Daxin Bedkashi of Koyra upazila, cultivated hybrid F-1 variety watermelon on 20 bighas of land. Within 40 days, her fields are brimming with fruit, and she expects each watermelon to weigh between 8 and 10 kilograms within the next two weeks. She highlighted her production cost per bigha is around Tk 25,000 to 30,000, with expected revenue approximately Tk 1 lakh per bigha. Samiron now earns Tk 10 to 12 lakh annually by cultivating watermelon alongside sweet lime (Malta) and managing a small shrimp enclosure.
Many educated youths in Koyra and other coastal areas are turning to watermelon farming as a profitable alternative to conventional jobs. However, farmers face challenges including scarcity of natural water sources, inadequate road communication, and intermittent electricity supply. Farmers suggested that the excavation of canals, improved road connectivity, and uninterrupted electricity supply would reduce costs and facilitate marketing, potentially doubling production.
Additional Director of Khulna DAE Md Rafiqul Islam stated that last year’s excellent yield encouraged farmers to expand cultivation this season. He expressed optimism that trade may exceed the projected target if favorable weather persists and proper market management and transport facilities are ensured. DAE officials expect over 6.99 lakh tonnes of watermelon to be harvested from 18,055 hectares in the Khulna agricultural zone this year, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk 350 crore.