News Flash
KHULNA, Sept 1, 2025 (BSS) - Once confined to Middle Eastern deserts, the exotic 'Rock Melon'-locally known as Sammam-is now thriving in the fertile lands of Khulna, as local farmers embrace its high profitability and growing consumer demand.
Inspired by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), young entrepreneur Md Ebadul of Ananda Nagar village under Ghatbhog Union in Rupsa Upazila has pioneered its successful cultivation along the embankment of his fish enclosure.
His experiment has not only yielded positive outcomes but also encouraged other farmers in Batiaghata, Dakop, Paikgacha, and Dumuria upazilas to begin rock melon farming.
Resembling a small green pumpkin with rough outer skin, the fruit is known by various names around the world-rock melon, sweet melon, musk melon, honeydew, and Sammam in Saudi Arabia.
A visit to Ebadul's field reveals lush, sprawling vines supported by bamboo structures, with netted round fruits hanging healthily. Although still new in the country, the cultivation of this nutritious and hydrating fruit is expanding steadily in Khulna and beyond.
Farmer Mizanur Rahman told BSS that proper seed selection and timely sowing-between November and February-are key. Seeds are planted in 1.5-foot-wide pits spaced 5-6 feet apart, with 4-5 seeds per pit. Later, 2-3 seedlings are retained for growth.
"Flowers appear within 30 days, and fruits form 40-45 days after pollination. The crop is ready for harvest in about three months," said another grower, Razzak Ali. "My production cost per bigha is around Tk 30,000, and the expected return ranges between Tk 1.5 to 2 lakh. Each fruit weighs about two kilograms, and wholesale prices in Khulna are Tk 100-150 per kg," he added.
Assistant Agriculture Officer Sohel Rana of Rupsa Upazila said the fruit shows great promise for local farmers. "Though originally a Middle Eastern crop, it adapts well to our climate. Around 10-15 farmers are receiving regular guidance and support."
Upazila Agriculture Officer Tarun Kumar Bala noted that sandy-loam soil offers the best yield. "A plant should not bear more than two fruits to maintain size and quality," he said.
"Rock melon is rich in water content, improves eyesight, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent cancer and heart disease. It has strong market demand and nutritional value," Bala added.
To support the expansion, local agriculture offices are offering technical assistance, group training, and field demonstrations. With high profitability and increasing demand, rock melon cultivation is expected to spread across more upazilas in the coming seasons.
