Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 7, 2026 (BSS) – Harvesting of watermelon is progressing in the Khulna region, with about 98 percent of the crop already harvested as of May 3. 

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khulna, watermelon has been cultivated this year on 13,810 hectares of land in the region, covering Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail districts.

Of this, Khulna accounted for 13,156 hectares, Bagerhat 164 hectares, Satkhira 471 hectares and Narail 19 hectares.
Growers are expecting a profit of over Taka 85 crore from sales this season.

During a visit on Thursday, it was found that farmers in Paikgachha upazila were harvesting watermelons and loading them onto trucks, pickups and trawlers for shipment to different districts, including Dhaka, Jashore, Khulna, Satkhira, Pirojpur, Bagerhat and Gopalganj.

“I cultivated watermelon on one and a half acres of land this year at a cost of Taka 40,000. I have already sold watermelons from 70 decimals of land for Taka 2.10 lakh,” said Asha Lata Dhali, a woman farmer from Kapilmuni village in Paikgachha.

“I hope to sell another Taka 3 lakh worth of watermelon from the remaining land,” she added.

Another farmer, Kalpona Dhali of the same area, said a five-kg watermelon is selling at Taka 200 to 240 this year, compared to Taka 140 to 180 last year.

Officials said favourable weather, improved irrigation facilities, adequate use of fertilizers and full support from the DAE contributed to the bumper yield of the popular summer fruit.

Till now, around 98 percent of the produce has been harvested in Khulna, while Bagerhat has completed 100 percent, Satkhira about 63 percent and Narail around 58 percent, said Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the DAE.

He said early rainfall improved soil moisture, which helped ensure better growth, size, colour and taste of the fruit this season.