In Mirzaganj of Patuakhali, watermelon has been planted three times more than last year. Farmers are smiling as the yield is also quite good. Extensive watermelon ceremonies are visible in the fields of different areas of the upazila. As the fruit is ripe, the farmers are busy picking the crop. A kind of excitement is working among the farmers around the field. On the other hand, the sale of watermelon in the local markets has become quite frozen.
According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, watermelon was planted in 5 hectares of land last year. Watermelon has been cultivated in 15 hectares of land this year.
Md Yusuf, Samsu, Jafar, Nasir, Sohag, Delwar and many others from West Subidkhali and Doklakhali villages of Deuli Subidkhali Union of the upazila said that the Upazila Agriculture Officer is working to fulfill the dreams of the farmers. However, due to sudden virus attack in many fields, some parts of the trees have been destroyed along with the fruits. Even then, the farmers claim that they will benefit from the harvest.
It has been seen on the spot that in the village of West Subidkhali in Deuli Subidkhali Union of the upazila there is a large field of farmers busy in the hope of becoming economically self-sufficient. Some are irrigating, some are weeding and fixing the roots of watermelon trees. Some are again applying fungicides to prevent disease. The weather is relatively favorable and they are working day and night in the hope of making more profit. Forgetting the pain of the intense heat of the sun, now in their eyes are only dreams and dreams.
Besides, there are watermelon fields in different areas of the village, including the vast chars of Dakshin Mirzaganj village in Mirzaganj union of the upazila. The same scene can be seen in those places.
Nasir and Sohag from Doklakhali village said that the cost of watermelon cultivation is low and easy. So I have cultivated watermelon. The yield is better if the plants are taken care of a little extra. These watermelons are also in great demand in the market as they are very large in size and delicious. So I am busy cultivating watermelon.
West Subidkhali watermelon farmer said. Yusuf said, "I have grown watermelon this year as I was inspired by the goodness of watermelon last year." About 4 months ago, he started cultivating watermelon on 4 acres of land. Due to lack of rain, additional cost has been incurred for irrigation. However, the yield has been very good in the field. I will benefit a lot.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Arafat Hossain said watermelon has been cultivated more than last year. Necessary advice is being given to the farmers by regularly visiting the watermelon fields. Farmers are hopeful that they will benefit a lot.
