Photo: BSS

BARISHAL, April 8, 2026 (BSS) - A bumper watermelon harvest has been recorded across Barishal division this season, surpassing government targets and bringing satisfaction to farmers—though concerns remain over declining market prices.
 
Markets throughout Barishal are currently flooded with fresh, juicy watermelons, with large trawlers arriving daily at major ghats such as Sat Tala and Balur Ghat. Farmers and traders from districts including Bhola, Barguna, and Patuakhali are transporting their produce by river before distributing it nationwide via trucks.
 
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), watermelon cultivation in the region has more than doubled over the past five years. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, cultivation reached 70,362 hectares—well above the target of 62,626 hectares, achieving 112.24 percent of the goal. By comparison, cultivation stood at 54,551 hectares in 2024–25 and 46,451 hectares in 2021–22.
 
Farmers have expressed satisfaction with the high yield but say market prices are lower than expected. Barek Bhuiyan, a farmer from Bhola, said he cultivated watermelons on three and a half acres of land at a cost of Taka 700,000. “Production has been good, but prices are lower than before,” he said.
 
Another farmer, Sabuj Mia, said investing Taka 17–18 lakh in cultivation. “We have produced a lot, but traders are offering lower prices. Still, I hope to make a profit,” he said.
 
Despite some weather-related setbacks, including post-Eid rain and hailstorms, farmers remain cautiously optimistic. “The yield is good, and I still expect to make profit,” said Suruj Ali.
 
At the wholesale level, watermelons are being sold for Taka 5,000 to Taka 10,000 per hundred, depending on size, while premium quality large melons fetch up to Taka 20,000 per hundred. Retail prices range from Taka 150 to Taka 500 per piece.
 
Traders from across the country, including Mymensingh, are actively purchasing watermelons from Barishal markets and distributing them to regions such as Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Netrakona, and Tangail.
 
Market stakeholders attribute pricing challenges partly to the role of intermediaries. Officials say efforts are underway to improve supply chains and ensure fair prices for farmers. “We are working on better marketing and transportation systems so that farmers can directly benefit,” said Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam Sikder, Additional Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barishal.
 
The southern char areas, particularly in Bhola and Patuakhali, have emerged as major hubs for watermelon cultivation. Officials estimate that around two million metric tons of watermelons are produced in the region and expect output to increase further.
 
The Department of Agricultural Marketing remains optimistic, saying that the strong production figures reflect both favorable conditions and growing farmer interest in watermelon cultivation across Barishal division.