Photo : Messenger
Bogura farmers are finding success in cultivating off-season watermelons, capitalizing on better market prices compared to the peak season. From a distance, it looks like hanging gourd or pumpkin, but when one gets closer, he can see juicy watermelons are hanging from a shed made of nylon threads.
Despite normal demand for watermelons, it is lower than during the regular cultivation season. Farmer Jabbir Hossain in Nandigram upazila of Bogura is experiencing significant success with his off-season watermelon cultivation.
In Bhatgram Union of Nandigram Upazila, Jabbir Hossain has established a unique watermelon garden that stands out as a spectacular sight. At a glance, it might resemble pumpkins hanging in the attic, but upon closer inspection, one can observe juicy watermelons enclosed in net-wrapped bags. This untimely watermelon production has become a visual delight, and Jabbir, from Chakalma village, has ambitious plans for this hybrid watermelon.
The field, resembling an embankment with a high soil slope, is adorned with watermelons hanging from lofts. The scene is impressive, featuring watermelons with varying colors and flavors, including striped spots, dark green, and yellow.
Under the guidance of the local agriculture department, Jabbir Hossain has chosen to cultivate 'Tripti,' 'Sweet Back,' or black variety, and 'Golden Crown' or yellow variety of watermelon. Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer Shahadat has provided regular advice and guidance, supplying improved variety seeds for watermelon cultivation.
Jabbir initiated the cultivation experimentally on a small plot of land measuring 20th decimal. Remarkably, watermelon flowers and fruits appear within just 44 days of planting. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 watermelons on his land, with weights ranging from two to three kilograms. With favorable weather conditions, Jabbir anticipates harvesting the watermelons in 15 to 20 days and selling them in the market. Notably, he has employed natural organic fertilizers in the production, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides.
Following the advice of the Agriculture Office, Jabbir implemented pest control methods such as pheromones, traps, and yellow color traps to combat insects. The total expenditure incurred by Jabbir for this venture amounts to Tk 37 thousand. Presently, watermelons are fetching wholesale prices ranging from Tk 55 to Tk 65 per kilogram in the market, with retail prices reaching Tk 80. Farmer Jabbir Hossain is optimistic about the profitability of his venture, reflecting a sense of contentment on his face.
Milon Sarkar, another farmer in the area, commended Jabbir Hossain for garnering positive attention by cultivating watermelons out of season. He observed the abundance of fruits and flowers in Jabbir's garden, predicting a good profit for him.
Nandigram Upazila Agricultural Officer Adnan Babu acknowledged watermelon as a promising crop in the region. Jabbir Hossain's success in cultivating watermelons out of season has gained recognition in the upazila. The cultivation, carried out on one bigha of land, has already started yielding profits, contributing to the rapid expansion of watermelon cultivation in the area.
The local agriculture department continues to offer guidance to watermelon growers, emphasizing the potential rewards of hard work. Jabbir Hossain stands as evidence, having achieved bumper watermelon crops on a small plot of land, elevating the profile of watermelon cultivation in the upazila.
Messenger/Alamgir/Shahin
