Khulna: Farmers in the saline-prone coastal region of Khulna are experiencing a transformation in agriculture as they focus on cultivating watermelons, a crop proving to be highly profitable and a game-changer for the southern region’s agricultural landscape.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a decade ago, the idea of cultivating watermelon was almost unheard of in Khulna. At that time, thousands of acres of land lay uncultivated after the Aman paddy season, with most farmers engaged in shrimp farming. This trend has shifted as farmers are now turning to watermelon cultivation for quicker and more lucrative returns.
Encouraged by last year’s successful harvest, farmers have expanded their watermelon cultivation on larger plots of land, particularly in the sandy coastal areas. This shift has led to a busy season for farmers, who are currently preparing seedbeds, planting, and irrigating their crops. Government initiatives, including subsidies on seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, have also played a significant role in boosting watermelon cultivation and providing employment opportunities for local laborers.
For the 2024-25 Robi crops season, the Department of Khulna Agriculture Expansion (DAE) has set an ambitious target for watermelon cultivation, aiming for 13,432 hectares of land and a production target of 54.96 lakh metric tonnes. Impressively, a total of 18,055 hectares were cultivated, achieving 134.42 percent of the target, as per the Khulna DAE zone, which includes Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail.
Farmers in the region, such as Harun-ur-Rashid from Amadi Union of Koyra upazila, are optimistic about the upcoming harvest. Rashid, who has taken loans to cultivate watermelons on 36 bighas of land, expressed confidence in achieving a good yield and profit if weather conditions remain favorable. Similarly, farmers like Mofiz Gazi and Abul Fazal Mia have also expanded their watermelon cultivation, seeing it as a viable source of income.
Sheikh Farid Hossain, assistant agricultural officer of Koyra upazila, highlighted the variety of watermelon strains being cultivated, including Dragon, Dragon Super, and Thai Red King. The expected yield, if conditions are favorable, could range from 50 to 60 metric tons per hectare, with cultivation costs estimated between Tk 1.5 to 2 lakh per hectare.
In areas like Bazua, Laudob, and Kailashganj Unions of Dakop upazila, hundreds of farmers are venturing into watermelon cultivation on previously fallow lands, driven by the crop’s promising profitability. Govinda Saha, a farmer from Bazua Union, noted the increasing interest in watermelon due to its lower investment and labor requirements compared to other crops.
Seasonal workers, like Khodeza Khatun from Deluti Union of Paikgachha, are also benefiting from the watermelon boom, earning around Tk 600 per day as farmhands. The DAE reports that Khulna has become the largest watermelon producer among the districts in the country, expecting over 56 lakh tonnes of watermelon to be produced on 18,055 hectares, with a market value exceeding Tk 1,500 crore.
Md Rafiqul Islam, additional director of Khulna DAE zone, emphasized the profitability of watermelon cultivation, stating that last year’s excellent yield has prompted farmers to expand their efforts this year. With favorable weather conditions, another bumper harvest is anticipated, supported by the dedicated assistance of agricultural officers guiding the farmers.