Birganj: A young agricultural entrepreneur in Birganj upazila has successfully cultivated a high-yielding yellow variety of watermelon during the off-season, drawing attention and interest from the local community.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Md Habibur Rahman, a 30-year-old resident of Bhabki village under Bhognagar union, embarked on cultivating this sweet and attractive watermelon variety using the mulching method on 22 decimals of land. With training from the local Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and seeds sourced from Dhaka, Rahman ventured into this innovative agricultural practice for the first time this year.
Deputy Director of the Dinajpur Horticulture Centre, Md Ezamul Haque, was instrumental in providing seeds and technical guidance for cultivating the fruit during the off-season. Rahman's initiative is part of the 'Sustainable Agricultural Development Project in Dinajpur' supported by the DAE.
Despite financial constraints that halted his bachelor's education, Rahman has established himself as an agricultural entrepreneur, successfully cultivating various crops, including cucumbers and tomatoes. He invested approximately Taka 15,000 to Taka 20,000 in the watermelon project and has already sold produce worth around Taka 50,000, with expectations of doubling his earnings.
The watermelons' large size, vibrant yellow color, and sweet taste have captured the market's interest. Local schoolteacher Md Ashraful Islam noted the growing popularity of Rahman's watermelons, with people flocking to his field to learn from his modern cultivation techniques.
Inspired by Rahman's success, seven other farmers in the area have also cultivated the off-season yellow watermelon variety, with plans for expansion. Birganj Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md Shariful Islam, and other officials have praised the initiative, noting the fruit's market price of approximately Taka 80 per kilogram.
Deputy Director Md Ezamul Haque expressed satisfaction with Rahman's achievements, emphasizing the support provided for the experimental cultivation. Md Afzal Hossain, Deputy Director of the Dinajpur DAE, commended Rahman's efforts and encouraged other farmers and youths to explore the lucrative potential of off-season watermelon farming.