Teknaf, a coastal upazila in Cox’s Bazar, has witnessed a bumper early watermelon harvest this season.
Farmer Chan Mia has set an example for many. Despite the challenges of age, his planning and family support have allowed him to reap the benefits of early harvesting, selling his produce at a good price and inspiring many other farmers in the area.
Chan Mia, a 60-year-old farmer from Nazir Para of Teknaf’s Sadar Union, has been working in agriculture for 45 years. This year, he cultivated early watermelons on one acre of land. After three months of hard work, his total investment was approximately Tk1,00,000, and he has already set the price for the entire field at Tk3,75,000. After deducting his costs, Chan Mia is set to make a net profit of nearly Tk2,75,000.
While age limits his ability to work regularly in the field, Chan Mia’s two sons have worked in the field to ensure a good yield. His farm has produced over 4,000 watermelons.
“I am getting older, so my two sons and I have worked together on the watermelon farm. Like last year, we have succeeded again,” Chan Mia said.
“Following the agriculture officer’s advice, we prepared the land and used good seeds. Initially, I hoped to sell for Tk5,00,000, but eventually settled at Tk3,75,000 for the whole field.”
He also credited his success to timely land preparation, selecting high-quality seeds, and consistent care. His success has sparked growing interest among other farmers in Nazir Para and surrounding areas to adopt early watermelon farming.
His son, Md Absar, added, “My father cannot work as much as before. So, my brother and I have worked hard together. We spent nearly Tk1,00,000 over the three months, and by following the agriculture officer’s guidance, the yield has been great.”
Local watermelon traders have also expressed satisfaction with this year’s harvest. Md Shahjahan, a local businessman, commented, “The watermelon yield in Teknaf has been better than last year. I bought Chan Mia’s field for Tk3,75,000, and I have also bought from other areas like Sabrang and Shahpari Island. I’ve been in the fruit business for 15 years, and this watermelon will keep the market supplied for the next two months.”
He further added that watermelons are currently being sold at Tk50-80 per kg, and individual fruits are priced between Tk100-500.
Once Teknaf’s production ends, watermelons are brought in from regions like Noakhali, Bhola, and Khulna to meet market demand.
Shafiqul Islam, another businessman, said, “In the past, we had to bring watermelons from outside to sell in Teknaf. Now that they are produced locally, both farmers and traders are benefiting.”
Teknaf Upazila’s Agriculture Officer, Md Humayun Kabir, shared that around 40 hectares of land in the upazila have been dedicated to early watermelon farming this season. This farming activity spans six unions and one municipality. It is expected that around 2,400 tonnes of watermelons will be produced this year.
“Farmers have already started selling their watermelons, and with the current price of Tk80 per kg, they are making a profit. The agriculture department has been providing regular technical support, including advice on pest control, fertiliser management, and high-quality seeds.
“While saline water intrusion due to climate change poses some challenges, the situation looks promising, and if conditions remain favorable, we expect early watermelon farming to increase next year,” said Md Humayun Kabir.
