Photo caption: A retail market for watermelon in Bhola town.
Watermelon cultivation is experiencing a surge in popularity in Bhola district, with an increase in cultivated land areas and farmers reaping the benefits of this profitable crop.
According to data from the Department of Agriculture Extension Bhola office, watermelon cultivation has expanded to 18,328 hectares, marking a significant increase of 7,000 hectares compared to the previous year. The production target was set at approximately 9 lakh metric tons.
Visiting Belumia village in Bhola Sadar, it was evident that watermelon growers were delighted with their harvest, expressing satisfaction with the fair prices they were receiving. Nurul Islam, a farmer, attributed the success to favorable weather conditions, resulting in a good yield this season. Similarly, Abul Bashar Bacchu, another farmer from Char Kolmi of Char Fasson upazila, highlighted how watermelon cultivation has transformed the fortunes of many farmers in the area.
The superior quality of Bhola watermelons has positioned them favorably in the market, leading to significant exports to Barishal, Dhaka, Chattogram, and other districts on a daily basis.
Bashar Warisul Kabir, Deputy Director of DAE Bhola, explained that watermelon cultivation is gaining traction, especially in char lands, which are often more fertile than mainland areas. He emphasized the role of agricultural extension department officers at the grassroots level in providing crucial technological support to watermelon growers, further fueling the crop's success.
Overall, the rise of watermelon cultivation in Bhola district is emblematic of its potential as a lucrative crop, bringing prosperity to farmers and contributing to the agricultural landscape of the region.
Messenger/Faria
