Photo : Messenger
Off-season watermelon growers are rejoicing over the cultivation of this unique crop, which has brought additional profits to the farmers of Charkali village, located in the Vedhuria union of Bhola Sadar Upazila.
Abdur Rahim, a resident of Charkali, successfully cultivated off-season watermelons, commonly known as baby watermelons, on a 25-decimal piece of land, reaping a profit of around Tk 25,000 in just three months.
Abdur Rahim strategically planted off-season watermelons on all four sides of nearby water bodies, where he also released fish fries into the water. This innovative approach allowed him to diversify his income, earning an additional Tk 5,000 through the sale of fish from the pond this year. The watermelons harvested by Rahim weighed between 2.5 to 3 kilograms each, and he managed to sell them at a competitive price of Tk 40 to 50 per kilogram.
The success story of Abdur Rahim is not an isolated one; it is part of a broader initiative by the local non-government organization, Jonounnayon Sangtha. This organization provided free seeds and organic fertilizer to farmers like Rahim, promoting the expansion of baby watermelon cultivation in Bhola district.
When contacted, M. Shahab Uddin, the Upazila Agriculture Officer of Bhola Sadar, emphasized the importance of cultivating multiple crops. He advised farmers to diversify their crops, taking advantage of the fertile soil in Bhola to maximize their benefits. This approach aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable agriculture and boosting the economic prosperity of the local farming community.
This success story not only benefits individual farmers like Abdur Rahim but also contributes to the overall agricultural development of Bhola district. It reflects a broader initiative to introduce new technologies and crop varieties at the grassroots level, enhancing farmers' financial well-being and promoting the resilience of the agricultural sector.
In essence, the cultivation of off-season watermelons not only brings smiles to individual farmers but also paints a promising picture for the agricultural landscape of Bhola. The collaborative efforts of farmers, local organizations, and agricultural authorities are essential components in building a thriving and resilient agricultural sector, paving the way for sustainable growth in the region.
Messenger/kamal/Shahin
