Photo : BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, Sept 19, 2025 (BSS) - Farmers in Bhulbaria village under Sharafpur union of Dumuria upazila in Khulna have started commercial cultivation of sammam, a desert fruit popularly known as rock melon, which is gaining fast popularity in local markets.

Cultivated on trellises above fish enclosures, the fruit-sweeter than watermelon has already proved profitable for growers. Farmers said production costs remain low while returns are more than four times higher.

Encouraged by the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), young farmer and entrepreneur Md. Shahin Uddin Gazi pioneered Sammam cultivation in Bhulbaria. 

He first grew the fruit along the embankment of his fish enclosure, a move that inspired farmers in Dumuria, Batiaghata, Dakop and Paikgacha upazilas to follow suit.

Resembling a small green pumpkin with a rough outer skin, Sammam is widely known across the world as rock melon, musk melon, sweet melon or honeydew. In Saudi Arabia it is called Sammam.

A visit to Shahin's field shows sprawling vines climbing bamboo trellises, with netted round fruits hanging in abundance. 

"At first I doubted whether a desert fruit could grow here," Shahin told BSS. "But after cultivating Sammam on two bighas of land with an investment of Tk 50,000, I got excellent yields and good market prices. Next year, I will expand cultivation."

According to him, proper seed selection and sowing between November and February are essential. Seeds are placed in pits 5-6 feet apart, with 2-3 seedlings retained per pit. Fruits are harvested within 70-80 days.

Farmers estimate production costs at Tk 20,000-25,000 per bigha, while earnings exceed Tk 1 lakh. "Although initial costs are a bit high, per-bigha returns are very satisfactory and demand is rising daily," said farmer Md. Golam Rasul Sheikh.

DAE officials said Sammam is now being cultivated in Dumuria, Batiaghata, Dacope, Rupsa and Terokhada upazilas. The fruit sells for Tk 130-150 per kilogram in local markets, with growing demand in Dhaka and other major cities.

Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Insad Ibne Amin said, "We are advising farmers on sammam cultivation and will arrange training if farmers demand. In the coming season, incentives and free seed distribution will also be considered."

Additional Director of DAE Khulna Region Md. Rafiqul Islam and Khulna District Deputy Director Md. Nazrul Islam recently visited Bhulbaria to observe diversified vegetable farming along fish enclosures. 

Rafiqul said farmers are maximizing land use by growing beans, cucumber, watermelon and sweet gourd alongside Sammam.

"Sammam is rich in water, helps digestion, improves eyesight, reduces inflammation and lowers risks of cancer and heart disease. Its nutritional value and market demand make it a promising crop," he added.

Nazrul Islam said around 17 hectares of land in Khulna have been brought under Sammam cultivation this year, with 5 hectares already harvested. 

"With an average yield of 24 metric tons per hectare, total production is expected to reach 408 metric tons. With improved market management, Sammam could become a profitable agricultural sector in coming years," he said.

Agricultural experts noted that Khulna's soil and climate are highly suitable for Sammam. 

With quality seeds, proper crop management and better market systems, they said, the fruit could transform farming in southern Bangladesh and open new opportunities in the country's agricultural economy.