Photo: BSS

KISHOREGANJ, Sept 16, 2025 (BSS) - Off-season cultivation of the high-yielding Black Queen variety of watermelon has gained popularity among farmers in Pakundia upazila of the district, bringing promising returns and creating new opportunities for agricultural diversification.

Abu Bakkar Siddique, a 42-year-old farmer from Chandipasa village under Pakundia upazila in the district, has achieved remarkable success by cultivating the Black Queen variety of watermelon during the off-season, earning over Taka one lakh from just 40 decimals of land within 70 days.

During a recent visit, it was observed that numerous black-skinned watermelons of varying sizes were hanging under the trellis on his farmland. The fruits, known for their bright red flesh and sweet taste, have attracted wholesalers from different parts of the district who are purchasing directly from the field.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the cost of cultivating the Black Queen variety is relatively low, while the profit margin is significantly high. Farmers can earn between Taka one lakh to one and a half lakh by investing only around Taka 30,000 to 35,000 per bigha.

Encouraged by the profitability, watermelon cultivation is gradually expanding in the upazila. This season, the fruit has been cultivated on 15 bighas of land, most of which is located in Chandipasa village.

Farmer Abu Bakkar said he was inspired to cultivate this variety upon receiving guidance from Jahangir Alam, Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer. He spent about Taka 40,000 for this season and has already sold produce worth over Taka one lakh. By the end of the season, he expects total sales of Taka 2.5 to 3 lakh, with an estimated profit of up to Taka 1.5 lakh.

He added that he previously cultivated paddy and vegetables, which yielded comparatively lower profits. Following his success, many youths in the area have shown interest in cultivating Black Queen watermelon.

Another local farmer, Hazrat Ali, stated that he plans to cultivate the same variety next season, inspired by Abu Bakkar's success.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Noor-e-Alam said: "We are providing field-level training and technical support to help farmers achieve higher yields at lower costs." He added that his office is closely monitoring and guiding the farmers throughout the cultivation process.

He informed that the Black Queen variety, imported from Taiwan, is being cultivated on 15 bighas of land this season. Each fruit weighs between 3 to 5 kilograms, and the variety can be grown year-round except during winter.

Following his success, Abu Bakkar has now sought assistance from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) to expand Black Queen watermelon cultivation on a larger scale.