Farmers in the Tala Upazila of Satkhira are cultivating rockmelon commercially. Due to its easy cultivation method and quick profitability, this fruit has created significant interest among farmers.
The watermelon, also known as Sammam, is a fruit of arid regions. This juicy fruit is among the most expensive fruits in the Bangladeshi market. Additionally, the demand for this new fruit is also good, according to the farmers.
It was learnt that, cultivating rockmelon involves several key steps that ensure healthy growth and a successful harvest. First, selecting the right variety is crucial. There are many different varieties of rockmelon, such as Galia, Charentais, and Hales Best Jumbo, each with its unique characteristics. Farmers should choose the variety that best suits their climate and soil conditions.
When planting rockmelon, farmers can start by sowing seeds indoors about 3-4 weeks before the last frost date or directly in the ground once the soil is warm, typically between 65–75°F (18–24°C). If farmers are planting seeds indoors, they should plant them in pots or seed trays and space the seeds 1-2 inches apart. After the seedlings have at least two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors. Alternatively, if planting directly in the ground, seeds should be spaced about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep in rows.
Watering is a critical aspect of growing rockmelon. Farmers should keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are well-established, but avoid waterlogging. Water the plants deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. Farmers should be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves.
Rabiul Islam, a farmer from Tetulia village of the upazila, said that after receiving training from a non-governmental organization named "Development Efforts," he started cultivating watermelon commercially and has benefited. This year, he cultivated the Jambu variety of Sammam watermelon on 20 decimals of land, earning a profit of Tk 27,000. He spent a total of Tk 45,000 on the cultivation and sold the harvested crop for Tk 72,000.
A watermelon typically weighs between 2 to 3 kg. In the market, large-sized fruits are solls for Tk 80 per kg, while medium-sized ones are solls for Tk 50 per kg.
He further explained that it takes approximately 70 days from seed planting to rockmelon harvesting, which is significantly less than other crops. He plans to cultivate the crop on a larger scale in the future.
Another farmer, Farida Begum, said she earned nearly Tk 20,000 profit after cultivating watermelon on 15 decimals of land.
Meanwhile, a farmer from Bhayra village mentioned that he achieved great success with rockmelon cultivation on 16 decimals of land. He spent Tk 25,000 on cultivation and sold the produce for around Tk 45,000, making a profit of approximately Tk 20,000.
Assistant Agriculture Officer Md. Shahinur Rahman said that rockmelon is unique in its nutritional value. This fruit, rich in various antioxidants, contains a significant amount of potassium, calcium, and vitamins A and C. These nutrients help reduce high blood pressure and asthma. The presence of beta-carotene in the fruit helps prevent cancer.
Agriculture Officer of Development Efforts organization, Md Noyon Hossain, said that five farmers from the Nagorghata and Tetulia unions of Tala upazila received advanced training on rockmelon cultivation and are now commercially growing the crop. Although it is a new crop, each of these farmers has benefited from cultivating it. As a result, many others are showing interest in rockmelon cultivation. Additionally, people are visiting to seek advice on cultivating this foreign fruit.
Tala Upazila Agriculture Officer Hajara Khatun mentioned that several farmers in the upazila have successfully cultivated rockmelon on an experimental basis. However, it is a crop that offers quick profit. Though rockmelon is typically a fruit of arid regions, the soil and climate of this region are suitable for all types of crops. Therefore, it can be considered a promising crop for the future.
