Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Sept 7, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers in Dumuria upazila of the district are reaping the benefits of off-season watermelon cultivation using the innovative trellis method, with consignments now being transported to the Srimangal market in Sylhet.

This modern farming technique is gaining popularity among local farmers, as the sweet and juicy watermelons are fetching good prices and boosting their incomes. The success is not only transforming livelihoods in Dumuria but also creating new agricultural and economic opportunities in the country's southern region.

According to locals, farmers around Nolghona Beel and other parts of Dumuria have adopted the trellis method over fish enclosures to overcome the challenges of waterlogged land. The approach allows integrated farming -- growing watermelons and vegetables on dikes while simultaneously cultivating fish in the water bodies.

With the help of improved agricultural practices and technologies, Dumuria's farmers are now producing high-quality watermelons even in adverse conditions.

The watermelons are known for their sweetness, bright red flesh, and average weight of 4-5 kilograms or more. Their taste, nutritional value, and attractive appearance have made them popular in markets outside the region.

This season, around 400-500 farmers from villages including Dumuria, Rajibpur Dakshinmahal, Rajapur, Moikhali, Ghonabanda, Ula, Taltola, Lohidanga, and Katakhali have cultivated watermelon.

Despite some crop loss due to heavy rainfall, farmers are optimistic about their earnings, with profits ranging from Tk 20,000-25,000 per bigha. Large areas of beel land in southern Dumuria have been transformed into trellis-based watermelon farms.

During a visit to the Taltola area of Rajibpur Dakshinmahal today, this correspondent saw trucks being loaded with watermelons from Nolghona Beel, destined for Srimangal. Farmers were actively participating in the shipment process.

Md. Mohammad Ali, a first-time watermelon farmer, said he planted 560 seedlings in 280 pits over 2.5 bighas of land. 

"Initially, the market price was Tk 50-55 per kg, though it has now declined slightly to Tk 36-37. Still, I'm hopeful for good returns," he said.

Another farmer, Abul Kalam Sheikh, who cultivated watermelons on two acres of land, said, "Each watermelon weighs around 4 to 5 kilograms. The market response has been strong, and I'm expecting decent profits."

Watermelon traders Halim Gazi and Hafizur Rahman said they prefer selling in Srimangal despite higher transport costs. 

Demand is stronger there compared to the local markets, they said.

Upazila Agriculture Officer, agriculturist Insad Ibn Amin, said a total of 230 hectares of land have been brought under off-season watermelon cultivation in Dumuria this year, with an average yield of 40-45 metric tons per hectare.

Key cultivation areas include Nolghona, Kulbariya, Khutokhali, Shovna, Atlia, Patibunia, and other parts of southern Dumuria.

He added that the success of off-season watermelon farming is encouraging more farmers to adopt climate-smart, integrated agricultural methods.