Photo: BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, March 4, 2026 (BSS) - Farmers in the Khulna region are expecting a bumper production of watermelon this season, with trade projected to reach around Tk 349.98 crore.

During Ramadan, growers across Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Narail districts are preparing their produce for the market to capitalise on strong early-season demand.

Watermelon, one of the most profitable Rabi crops due to its low production cost and quick marketing opportunity, is being cultivated on an increasing scale across the region, one of the country's leading watermelon-producing zones.

In the 2025-26 Rabi season, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) set a target to cultivate watermelon on 18,055 hectares of land in the region with a production target of 6.99 lakh metric tonnes. So far, cultivation has been completed on 13,729 hectares, achieving about 76 percent of the target.

During a recent visit to Koyra upazila in the coastal belt, farmers were found busy preparing seedbeds, transplanting seedlings and irrigating their fields at the peak planting period.

According to the upazila agriculture office, watermelon has been cultivated on about 2,600 hectares of land in Koyra this season, with hybrid and high-yielding varieties dominating the fields.

Talking to BSS, farmers Hanif Mia, Sobhan Sheikh and Monjit Mondal said they are hopeful of making substantial profits through improved production.

Sujan, a farmer of Chatkatala Beel, said he cultivated watermelon on eight bighas of land and expressed hope that regular advice from agriculture officials would help enhance production.

Mithun Sarker of Chandipur Beel told BSS he cultivated watermelon on 12 bighas. "The seedlings have emerged and we are now taking proper care of the plants. If the weather remains favourable, we expect a bumper yield," he said.

Another farmer, Apurba Saha, who leased eight bighas, said production costs may range between Tk 30,000 and 35,000 per bigha, while expected sales could reach around Tk 1 lakh per bigha if yields are good.

While talking to BSS Upazila Agriculture Officer Tilok Kumar Ghosh said watermelon is a highly profitable crop and farmers are likely to achieve bumper production if weather conditions remain favourable. Sub-assistant agriculture officers are providing continuous field-level support to growers, he added.

Samiron Beoa, 52, a graduate from Daxin Bedkashi of Koyra upazila, cultivated hybrid F-1 variety watermelon on 20 bighas of land after failing to secure suitable employment. Within 40 days, her fields are brimming with fruit. She expects each watermelon to weigh between 8 and 10 kilograms within the next two weeks.

She told BSS her production cost per bigha is around Tk 25,000 to 30,000, while expected revenue stands at approximately Tk 1 lakh per bigha.

"Now, I earn Tk 10 to 12 lakh annually by cultivating watermelon alongside sweet lime (Malta) and managing a small shrimp enclosure," she said.

Like Samiron, many educated youths in Koyra and other coastal areas are turning to watermelon farming as a profitable alternative to conventional jobs.

However, farmers face challenges including scarcity of natural water sources, inadequate road communication and intermittent electricity supply. Many rely on electric pumps for irrigation, increasing production costs.

Farmers suggested that excavation of canals, improved road connectivity and uninterrupted electricity supply would reduce costs and facilitate marketing, potentially doubling production.

Additional Director of Khulna DAE Md Rafiqul Islam said last year's excellent yield encouraged farmers to expand cultivation this season.

"If favourable weather persists and proper market management and transport facilities are ensured, farmers will get fair prices," he said, expressing optimism that trade may exceed the projected target.

DAE officials expect over 6.99 lakh tonnes of watermelon to be harvested from 18,055 hectares in the Khulna agricultural zone this year, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk 350 crore.