Off-season watermelon farming has brought fortune to the farmers in the district as they are getting huge profit by growing the juicy fruits, which have a good source of antioxidants and nutrients.
Rows of watermelons are hanging in fish enclosures, carefully placed in netted bags supported by bamboo poles. The juicy, sweet fruits are attracting crowds to the banks of the enclosures. Some visitors are busy taking pictures, while others are buying the bright red watermelons. Farmers are selling them on the spot for Tk聽80 to Tk聽100 per kilogram.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), off-season watermelons have been cultivated on 23 hectares of land in Narail, 10 hectares in Sadar upazila, two hectares in Lohagara and 11 hectares in Kalia of the district.
With the support of the agriculture department, farmers have successfully cultivated watermelons off-season, earning higher profits compared to production costs.
Farmers said they plan to expand this profitable cultivation in the coming year. Officials expressed the hope that the practice will soon spread across different areas of the district.
During a visit to the fish enclosure of farmer Akinur Mallik at Mirzapur field in Bichhali union of Narail Sadar, it was found that he planted 200 watermelon seedlings for the first time this season following the advice of agricultural officers.聽
鈥淭his year, I cultivated off-season watermelon on 33 decimals of land. Following the agriculture office鈥檚 advice, I received seeds, fertilizers, and necessary inputs from the office. Prices are good in the market. I don鈥檛 even need to take the produced watermelons to market. I am selling them directly from the enclosure bank at Tk 80 to Tk 100 per kg. Next year, I will cultivate on a larger scale,鈥� he said.
In Mirzapur, the watermelon fields have become a dream orchard for locals. Every day, crowds gather to see and photograph the hanging fruits.
Some are making videos, while many are buying the bright red watermelons. Seeing the profits, other farmers are showing interest as well.
Local resident Zakir Hossain said, 鈥淲e were inspired by Akinur鈥檚 watermelon farming. We have already spoken to agriculture officers. Next year, I will also cultivate watermelon in that way.鈥�
Kalia Upazila agricultural extension officer Suman Sarker said watermelons are also being cultivated in fish enclosures in Baishona village.
鈥淲e are encouraging farmers to cultivate off-season watermelon. Our sub-assistant officers are providing round-the-clock support in the fields,鈥� he added.
Narail district DAE deputy director Muhammad Arifur Rahman said, 鈥淭he cultivation of off-season watermelons is increasing every year in Narail. This year, 23 hectares of land have been brought under cultivation. We are providing all necessary support to farmers to this end. We expect an even larger scale of cultivation next year.鈥�
