In Natore Sadar Upazila, farmers are getting success in farming all-season ‘Black Sweet-2’ watermelon using mulching and platform method of cultivation.
This new variety of all-season watermelon is being cultivated in Majhdigha area of Natore Sadar Upazila under the Agriculture Development Project of Rajshahi Division through modern agricultural extension.
Concerned people say that the profit in cultivating ‘Black Sweet-2’ watermelon is more than other varieties of watermelon.
Visiting on spot, the ‘Black Sweet-2’ watermelon was seen being grown in the land of farmer Abu Taher in Majhdigha Block of Chhatni Diyar area in Chhatni Union of Natore Sadar Upazila,
This all-season watermelon is being cultivated there on 50 decimals of land using mulching and platform method for a period of two and a half to three months. The size of watermelon has already increased from half a kg to 1 kg. Farmer Abu Taher expressed hope that the watermelon would be suitable for sale in the next 20 to 25 days.
According to local Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) office, this watermelon variety is disease-tolerant and the use of mulching method reduces weeds in the soil. As a result, the cost of growing this watermelon is much lower. This watermelon grows well on high and sloping lands. Each watermelon weighs about one and a half to three kilograms.
However, seeds of ‘Black Sweet-2’ variety are not readily available in Natore. Seeds of this variety are being supplied to the farmers from Sirajganj. Besides, the DAE is providing necessary assistance for the purchase of materials for making platforms.
Farmer Md Abu Taher said ‘Black Sweet-2’ watermelons are sold at Tk 40 to 50 per kg. The cost of cultivating watermelon on 1 Bigha of land is thirty thousand to thirty five thousand taka. If the production and market price is good, the watermelon grown on a Bigha of land can be sold for one and a half to two lakh takas.
Natore Sadar Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Mehedul Islam said, Black Sweet-2’ variety of watermelon is very useful to get more profit in a short span of time. Through the use of modern technology, farmers can benefit by cultivating this all-season variety of watermelon.
‘Black Sweet-2’ variety of watermelon is being grown by the designated farmers through ICM Club. Watermelon is a very tasty fruit and as there is no watermelon in the market at this time of the year, the price of this all-season watermelon is pretty good, the official added.
