Off-season watermelon cultivation in Khulna region has yielded 49,720 tonnes across four districts in 2026-27 season, with an estimated market value of Tk198 crore 88 lakh 11 thousand at an average price of Tk40 per kg, according to data from the Department of Agricultural Extension.
The four districts- Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail- cultivated 1,820 hectares, with an average yield of 27.319 tonnes per hectare. Those concerned said proper care despite adversities, DAE support and favourable weather made the bumper harvest possible.
Khulna district led in both cultivation and total production, with 1,577 hectares yielding 27.0 tonnes per hectare, or 42,579 tonnes, valued at Tk170 crore 31 lakh 60 thousand.
Satkhira recorded the highest average yield at 30.0 tonnes per hectare, producing 4,530 tonnes from 151 hectares, worth about Tk18 crore 12 lakh.
Bagerhat produced 1,904 tonnes from 68 hectares at 28.0 tonnes per hectare, valued at Tk7 crore 61 lakh 60 thousand. Narail produced 707 tonnes from 24 hectares at 29.470 tonnes per hectare, valued at Tk2 crore 82 lakh 91 thousand 200.
The region’s economic success has created new enthusiasm among farmers.
In Dumuria upazila, off-season watermelon was cultivated on about 120 hectares more than last year. Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Nazmul Huda said last year 215 hectares were cultivated, while this year the figure was 335 hectares. Watermelon sold at Tk40-45 per kg in the upazila.
Sanjid Baroi, a farmer of Baroikati village in Dumuria, said he produced 150,000 pieces from 600 plants this year, making a profit of about Tk100,000. He has grown off-season watermelon for about four years but said he made more profit last year, as more farmers joined cultivation this year, pushing up yields and lowering market prices.
Another Dumuria farmer, Mrittyunjoy, said he cultivated two plots totalling 90 decimals this year. He first started off-season watermelon cultivation in Dumuria, and many others have followed, he said.
Mrittyunjoy said about Tk40,000 is spent on 50 decimals, but once the land is prepared it can be cultivated for three consecutive years, with only seeds and fertiliser to buy. He alleged there was some fertiliser crisis this year. He sold produce worth Tk250,000 from 90 decimals this season.
Farmers said the upazila agriculture office arranges free seed distribution and training every week.
Nazmul Huda said, “We are getting a good response. About 1,160 people took training from us this season and cultivated. Interested farmers can also take training here next year, and we will cooperate with them on various matters.”
Foyez Ahmed Mina, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of DAE Khulna region, said, “We have seen off-season watermelon cultivation for about five years, but this is the first time we have seen a bumper yield and market demand for this fruit. Our department is doing everything to facilitate farmers. Upazila agriculture officers have been instructed to give maximum support to farmers at field level.”
