COX'S BAZAR, Jan 26: Veteran farmer Chan Mia, 60, of Nazir Para in Teknaf, has earned Tk 2.75 lakh profit from cultivating early season watermelons on one acre of land.
By bringing his crop to market ahead of time, Chan Mia has secured a handsome profit, and his success is now encouraging hundreds of other farmers in the area to follow suit.
Chan Mia, engaged in farming for 45 years, invested about Tk 1 lakh this season. After three months of cultivation, his field produced over 4,000 watermelons. The entire plot was sold for Tk 3.75 lakh, leaving him with a net profit of Tk 2.75 lakh.
Although his age prevents him from working in the field regularly, his two sons have stepped in to help. Together, the family has produced a bumper harvest, with more than 4,000 watermelons growing in the plot.
"I am old now, so I worked with my two sons," Chan Mia said. "Like last year, we succeeded again. Following the advice of agriculture officers, we prepared the land properly and used quality seeds. At first, I asked Tk 5 lakh for the field, but finally settled at Tk 3.75 lakh."
He credited timely land preparation, improved seed varieties, and regular care for the strong yield. His achievement has sparked growing interest among farmers in Nazir Para and surrounding villages to try early watermelon cultivation.
Chan Mia's son, Md. Absar, explained: "Father cannot work as before, so we two brothers took responsibility. We spent about Tk 1 lakh over three months. With guidance from agriculture officers, the yield was excellent."
Local traders are equally satisfied. Fruit wholesaler Md. Shahjahan, who purchased Chan Mia's field for Tk 3.75 lakh, said: "Compared to last year, Teknaf's watermelon yield is better. I have also bought fields in Subrang and Shah Porir Dwip. I have been in the fruit business for 15 years, and Teknaf's watermelons will keep the market supplied for the next two months."
Currently, watermelons are selling at Tk 50-80 per kilogram, or Tk 100-500 per piece, depending on size. Once Teknaf's production ends, traders source watermelons from Noakhali, Bhola, and Khulna.
Another trader, Shafiqul Islam, noted: "Previously, we had to bring watermelons from outside to sell in Teknaf. Now, with local production, both farmers and traders are benefiting."
Teknaf Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Humayun Kabir reported that about 40 hectares of land have been brought under early watermelon cultivation this season across six unions and one municipality. Production is expected to reach 2,400 metric tons.
"Farmers have already started marketing their produce," he said. "At Tk 80 per kilogram, they are making good profits. The Agriculture Department is providing technical advice, pest control, fertilizer management, and improved seeds. Climate change and saline water intrusion pose challenges, but if conditions remain favorable, cultivation will expand further next year."
Chan Mia's success story demonstrates how innovation and family effort can overcome age and adversity, offering hope to Teknaf's farming community and strengthening local markets.
