AMTALI, BARGUNA, Jan 6: Hundreds of farmers in Amtali Upazila have set up temporary huts in the fields as they devote themselves to watermelon cultivation during the dry season.
Leaving families behind, they live in these makeshift shelters and spend their days and nights focused on producing the juicy fruit.
Local growers say Amtali's soil and climate are highly suitable for watermelon, and commercial farming has expanded rapidly in recent years. Bumper yields and good market prices have encouraged farmers to lease land and invest heavily, turning watermelon into a major contributor to the local economy.
This year, the target was set at 3,000 hectares, but the agriculture department expects cultivation to exceed 5,000 hectares. Farmers are optimistic that profits will be high compared to costs.
Md Alam, a farmer from Holdia, said many growers have planted improved varieties of watermelon on larger plots. "If the weather remains favourable, we expect good profits after covering expenses," he noted.
Labourer Sabuj Khan, who works in watermelon fields, explained: "We are busy all the time, from preparing land to harvesting and selling. Workers are paid Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 per month, with food and lodging provided by the owners. Many labourers are now engaged in this work."
Amtali Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Russel said watermelon worth crores of taka is produced in the area each year. "The soil, climate and freshwater from rivers make Amtali ideal for watermelon cultivation. Though the target was 4,000 hectares this year, last year's high prices mean we expect the acreage to surpass that," he said.
He added that experienced farmers lease char lands for commercial farming, further boosting local agriculture. The agriculture department is providing advice and support to ensure successful production.
