Mirzaganj (Patuakhali) Correspondent
When seen from a distance, it looks like that pumpkins or gourds are hanging from a platform but, when looked closely, one will realize that those are juicy watermelons. Such a beautiful scene can be seen at Kismat Chailabunia village in Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali district.
For the first time in Mirzaganj, farmers have seen the face of success by cultivating untimely watermelon commercially with the funding of the SACP project of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
There is a great demand for this watermelon in the market due to its sweet taste and untimely availability. The yield had also been quite good and it brought a smile on the farmer's face. However, the sudden heavy rains, the low pressure in the sea and the full moon tide took away that smile from the farmers’ faces.
Visiting in person, it was seen that rows and rows of watermelons are hanging under the bamboo made platforms, installed by the farmers. Pheromone traps had been planted in watermelon orchards to keep them pest-free. However, many trees have died and the orchards have become water logged in the recent events. According to the Upazila Agriculture Department, this is the first time that three farmers have cultivated this variety of watermelon in the upazila. Among them, Md. Yusuf Hawlader, a farmer from West Subidkhali village, cultivated the watermelon on his own and Mithun Dutta and Samir Adhikari of Kismat Chailabunia village cultivated them under the exhibition of Agriculture Department.
Throughout the year, these watermelon saplings are planted by cutting the soil in the fallow land and making beds. Then platforms are built on the sides of the beds to let the watermelons grow. Seedlings flower after 30 days of planting and bear fruit after 40-50 days, said the sources.
Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md Arafat Hossain said, this is the first time this expensive watermelon has been cultivated there. Seeds of BARI Watermelon-1 and 2, F-1 Hybrid Seed of Chiathai Seed Company, Moyna Black Baby, Yearlong Hybrid Watermelon Kania (yellow on the inside), Hybrid Rock Melon and Yearlong Hybrid Melon Rhea have been provided to the farmers free of cost.
“After collecting the seeds of this improved variety from different parts of the country, farmers had been encouraged to cultivate these untimely watermelon and they have succeeded in cultivating it. However, due to low watermelon beds, farmers have been affected by heavy rains and full moon tides. Mirzaganj i.e. the southern region is prone to floods. So the watermelon beds in these areas should have been raised 1-2 feet higher than usual”, the official added.
He further said that there is no government incentive at the moment. If any incentive is given in future, these watermelon growers will receive them on a priority basis. He urged the farmers to be interested in cultivating new high value crops without losing their morale.
