Yellow watermelon cultivation in Tangail brings new hope for farmers
Once considered risky and largely uncultivable, the river erosion–prone char lands of Gabshara’s Faldapara area in Bhuapur upazila were traditionally used for limited crops such as peanuts, maize or even harmful tobacco.
After achieving success in maize and peanut cultivation, young farmer Sumon Mia has now emerged as a successful cultivator of yellow watermelon in the char areas of Bhuapur upazila along the banks of the Jamuna River in Tangail.
Once considered risky and largely uncultivable, the river erosion–prone char lands of Gabshara's Faldapara area in Bhuapur upazila were traditionally used for limited crops such as peanuts, maize or even harmful tobacco.
But, defying conventional beliefs, Sumon Mia, a 28-year-old degree student of Bhuapur Government Ibrahim Khan College, has demonstrated that these sandy char lands can be transformed into productive farmland through innovation and determination.
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Inspired by videos he watched on YouTube, Sumon decided to experiment with watermelon cultivation for the first time. Taking a bold step, he leased five bighas of land and personally initiated the cultivation of yellow watermelon this year.
On the land, he planted three varieties -- Tripti, Madhumala and Pakiza. Of these, Tripti and Madhumala watermelons have yellow skin, while Pakiza appears green from the outside, though all varieties have bright red flesh inside and are known for their sweet and delicious taste.
According to Sumon, around 5,000 watermelon plants are currently bearing fruits on his leased land. His total investment stands at approximately Tk 6 lakh, while he expects a profit of around Tk 5 lakh from the five bighas.
The crop, a winter-season produce, takes only three months to mature. The fruits have already grown well, and harvesting of the chemical-free watermelons is expected to begin within the next week. Each watermelon weighs on average between five and seven kilograms.
Sumon's yellow watermelon field has now become a point of attraction, drawing visitors from surrounding areas. Encouraged by his success, many local farmers have expressed interest in cultivating watermelon in the coming seasons. Sumon himself plans to expand cultivation on a larger commercial scale in the future.
Local farmers believe that if watermelon cultivation is promoted officially in the Jamuna river char areas and farmers are provided with government incentives, it would significantly increase farmers' income through multiple use of the same land while also helping meet the country's growing demand for watermelons.
Sources at the Department of Agricultural Extension said that farmers in the char areas of Bhuapur, Nagarpur, Kalihati and Tangail Sadar upazilas are cultivating three varieties of watermelon on four hectares of land this year on their own initiative.
The fields in the char areas are now covered with green vines as farmers look for higher profits with lower investment. Interest in off-season watermelon cultivation is growing among farmers due to its high market value.
Sumon Mia said the sandy soil of Bhuapur's char areas has opened a new horizon for farmers. With proper planning and support, watermelon cultivation could contribute significantly to the economic development of the region.
He added that at least ten farmers who previously engaged in risky tobacco cultivation have already shown interest in switching to watermelon farming after witnessing his success.
Bhuapur Upazila Agriculture Officer Mokhlesur Rahman said Golden Crown is a relatively new variety of watermelon cultivated in the country. It is generally grown off-season, slightly smaller in size, yellow on the outside and red inside, and is both tasty and rich in nutrients, he said.
He added that as it produces a high yield and fetches a good market price due to off-season cultivation, many progressive farmers have started growing it through demonstrations and personal initiatives.
He went on, saying that the agriculture office is providing continuous monitoring and advisory support to encourage wider cultivation of this profitable crop in the coming days.
