Watermelon output high in Natore

NATORE, Mar 14: High production of watermelon has brought smile on the faces of many grassroots growers in the district.

During a visit in different areas of the district this correspondent found growers cultivating both indigenous and hybrid watermelon varieties on their field.

A good number of farmers said the Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) supplied quality seeds of the juicy fruit so that they can achieve a good yield.

They further said harvest started at the end of February and will continue for the next one and a half months.

Each maund of water melon is sold at Tk 1,600 to Tk 1,700 in the market against Tk 400 production cost.

Farmer Abdur Rahim of Gurudaspur upazila said per bigha production cost stands at Tk 22,000 to Tk 25.000.

The grower said a good number of growers cultivated watermelon instead of Boro paddy and maize due to low production cost.

Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) Rafiqul Islam said over 571 hectares of land were brought under the farming of watermelon this season.

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