Faisal, Rakib and Rahmat Ullah, three college students, leased 5 Bighas of land in Deupashabagh village under Kargaon union in Katiadi upazila of Kishoreganj and cultivated three varieties of watermelon.
They are now hoping to market those watermelons in just 75 days of cultivation. However, this crop grown as a hobby by those three friends has opened new doors of possibilities for local young entrepreneurs.
They started by cultivating three varieties of watermelon on five Bighas of land namely Golden Crown, Black Jammu and Jasmine-2. This new variety of watermelon is cultivated in the upazila for the first tiem, said local Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) sources.
It is learned that three varieties of watermelon have been cultivated on 5 Bighas of land through the joint efforts of three college students. At the end of 75 days of cultivation, the trees have already started yielding. So far the cost of cultivation has been around Tk 4 lakh. If all goes well, the watermelon of this land can be sold for Tk 12 lakh, the owners said.
Meanwhile, people from the surrounding area are gathering in the land every day to watch watermelon cultivation on the plot. They say watermelon cultivation may increase in the area next year.
Locals say three college students Faisal, Rakib and Rahmat Ullah are dreaming of becoming millionaires by cultivating watermelons as a hobby. By cultivating watermelon in just 65 days, the youths have responded as usual. Although they have spent Tk 4 lakh on farming, they are already dreaming of making a profit of Tk 6 lakh. And the Department of Agriculture says that many people are inclined to cultivate profitable crops using advanced agricultural technology.
Rakib Bhuiyan, Rahmat Ullah and Faisal Ahmem, three college students, said, "I cultivate capsicum first with the combined efforts of three friends." We also see the path to success. Following this, I leased 5 bighas of land and cultivated three varieties of watermelon. We hope that if everything goes well, about 12 lakh rupees can be sold, ”he said.
Deputy Assistant Agriculture Officer of Kargaon Block Zakir Hossain said, 'Watermelon cultivation in this upazila is an exceptional crop. Three college students Faisal, Rakib and Rahmat Ullah were encouraged to make extra profit. They will play a huge role in the economic development of the country, said the agriculture official.