Watermelon has traditionally been available in Bangladesh from March through May. But modern agricultural techniques — particularly plastic mulching and trellis systems — are enabling commercial production year-round, even during the monsoon when fields were previously left fallow due to waterlogging.
In Pakundiya upazila of Kishoreganj, off-season watermelon cultivation is opening new possibilities for farmers. Mohammad Alauddin of Ghaghara village, Chandipasha union, has become a pioneer in the area. Last year, he grew watermelons on 17-18 decimals and earned approximately Tk 90,000-92,000 in sales. Encouraged by that success, he expanded to 82-84 decimals this season, investing about Tk 1.3 lakh and expecting returns of Tk 3-3.5 lakh.
Each watermelon weighs 4-5 kg, with each vine yielding three to four fruits. The melons hang from trellises in individual nets to prevent damage from storms or their own weight. Plastic mulch covers the soil, retaining moisture, suppressing weeds, and preventing root rot during the monsoon.
Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Md. Nazrul Islam said a 20-decimal demonstration plot was established in the block, with approximately 1,100-1,200 seedlings planted. Upazila Agriculture Officer Nure-Alam said about 30 bighas are now under off-season watermelon cultivation across the upazila. Per-bigha production costs are Tk 30,000-40,000, with revenues exceeding Tk 1 lakh — yielding net profits of Tk 60,000-70,000 within just 60-65 days of planting.
Several neighboring farmers have followed Alauddin’s example, switching from less profitable rice cultivation to off-season watermelons and other high-value crops. Agriculture officials said they are providing technical guidance on improved seed selection, fertilizer use, pest management, and spray schedules.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report