Watermelon farming transforms rural economy in Khulna

The rural economy of the Khulna region is undergoing a significant transformation, as innovative agricultural technologies and expanded support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) are helping farmers turn once-barren lands into productive, high-yielding fields.

Saline-prone areas that were previously left fallow after the Aman paddy season are now flourishing with striped watermelon vines, bringing prosperity to thousands of farming households. Once dominated by shrimp farming, these coastal lands are now being used to cultivate watermelon - a fast-growing, profitable crop that is reshaping the region's agricultural landscape.

According to Khulna DAE officials, the region comprising Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Narail has seen a sharp rise in watermelon cultivation in recent years, with the trend gaining momentum due to high returns and low input costs.

Just a decade ago, watermelon cultivation was virtually non-existent in Khulna. Today, it has emerged as one of the most lucrative options for farmers, particularly in coastal and sandy areas. Encouraged by last year's successful harvests, more farmers have shifted from traditional crops like paddy and sesame to watermelon farming.

As of now, around 50 percent of this season's watermelon crop has been harvested in the Khulna agricultural zone, with full harvesting expected by October. Farmers have cultivated 1,176.75 hectares of land in the zone, including 965.75 hectares in Khulna alone. Despite 51.25 hectares being damaged due to heavy rainfall, total production is expected to reach 36,446 tonnes - an average yield of 30.97 tonnes per hectare.

Based on current market rates - Tk50 per kg - farmers are likely to earn over Tk182.23 crore from watermelon sales this season.

In the 2024-25 Rabi season, DAE set a target of cultivating watermelons on 13,432 hectares with a production goal of 54.96 lakh tonnes. Last year, the target was exceeded by 134.42 percent as farmers cultivated over 18,000 hectares. DAE officials say Khulna is now the top watermelon-producing region in the country.

In Batiaghata upazila alone, 640 hectares in Surkhali Union and surrounding areas such as Raipur, Bhagabatipur, Shambhunagar, Kodla, and Nainkhali have been brought under watermelon cultivation this year, with a market value estimated between Tk50 and 60 crore.

Watermelon cultivation is also expanding rapidly in Rupsa, Paikgacha, and Dighalia upazilas. DAE expects about 30,000 tonnes of production from 966 hectares of land in the current fiscal year (2025-26).

Farmers say the switch to watermelon has transformed their livelihoods. Abdul Hamid, a farmer in Batiaghata's Surkhali Union, told BSS, "Earlier, cultivating paddy on two bighas earned me Tk20,000 per season. Now the same land brings in Tk2 lakh from watermelon, with over Tk1 lakh in profit after expenses. Farming has regained my trust."

Rubina Begum, a housewife turned farmer, added, "Watermelon farming allows me to fund my children's education and run the household without financial stress."

Cultivation costs range from Tk20,000-25,000 per bigha, while returns often exceed Tk1 lakh, providing three to four times profit. This profitability is fueling rapid adoption among local farmers.

Agriculture officials are playing a key role in this shift. Assistant Agriculture Officer Jibananda Roy said, "Off-season watermelon is one of the most profitable crops. It requires fewer inputs and provides faster returns. We encourage farmers to use fallow land, especially areas beside fish enclosures."

In Gaoghara block, Assistant Agriculture Officer Anjan Kumar Biswas said 500 bighas in Rajakhali beel were brought under cultivation this year. "Two years ago, only six farmers grew watermelon. Today, there are 120," he added.

The popularity of watermelon is also rising due to its nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, B5, potassium, and magnesium, it helps with hydration, digestion, and immunity. Once considered a summer fruit, it is now cultivated year-round due to modern farming methods.

Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of DAE (Khulna), told BSS, "We are providing farmers not just seeds but also training on irrigation, fertilisation, pest control, and modern techniques. Despite setbacks from heavy rain, the response this year has been highly encouraging."

Dr Md Lokman Hossain Mazumdar, Project Director of the BCRAL Project, said watermelon farming is also spreading in Bagerhat and Satkhira due to high profitability.

Farmers are using technologies such as mulching polythene to retain soil moisture and control weeds, drip irrigation for water efficiency, and hybrid seeds for better yields.

Young farmer Hafizur Rahman said, "I returned to the village during the pandemic and started watermelon farming using mulching techniques. Now I earn several lakhs a year. I never imagined agriculture had this much potential."

However, challenges remain. Farmers face price volatility, weather-related risks, and a lack of cold storage, which forces them to sell quickly.

Sheikh Abdur Razzak of Naihati village in Rupsa upazila said, "Good harvests don't always mean good profit if prices drop. We need storage facilities to avoid distress sales."

The impact of watermelon cultivation extends beyond farming. Seasonal employment opportunities have opened up for labourers, transport workers, and traders.

Motaleb Mia, a daily wage labourer, said, "Earlier I had to travel far for work. Now I get better-paid jobs in my own village during watermelon season."

Experts believe that off-season watermelon cultivation has unlocked a new era of agricultural diversification and rural economic growth in southern Bangladesh. With better market linkages and export strategies, the fruit holds strong potential for the international market as well.