Watermelon farming revolutionizes life in char regions of Brahmaputra in Bangladesh

Published Apr 8, 2023

Tridge summary

The article highlights the growing interest of farmers in watermelon cultivation in the char areas of Kurigram, despite challenges such as floods. The district, with around 45,000 hectares of cultivable land across 450 chars, has seen farmers start cultivation on 35,000 hectares, including watermelon on 22,000 hectares this year. However, the lack of marketing support and access to loans is hindering the commercial success of these cultivations. There is optimism with local entrepreneurs showing interest and plans for collection centers, but economic challenges have led to some farmers abandoning their lands. The article calls for increased support from the government, NGOs, and banks to address these issues and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the char areas.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

The number of farmers signing up for watermelon cultivation has been increasing in these char areas, and the yield has been as expected. However, farmers are facing a major obstacle when it comes to marketing management, which is crucial for commercial cultivation in the char. According to the Kurigram Department of Agricultural Extension, there are about 450 chars in 16 rivers in the district with about 45,000 hectares of cultivable land. Farmers are starting cultivation on 35,000 hectares of land in 368 chars, and they have been cultivating various crops, such as maize, watermelon, cucumber, sweet pumpkin, and pepper. Last year, watermelon was cultivated on 50 acres of land in the village Char Bagua of Hatia union of Ulipur upazila of the district. Unfortunately, 40 acres of crops were immersed and damaged due to the early floods. However, this year, farmers have cultivated watermelon on 34 hectares of land in the char, and they have started harvesting it. Due to favorable ...

Source: Krishi Jagran