Watermelon glut fails to benefit farmers, consumers

Both farmers and consumers are being deprived of the benefits of a bumper watermelon harvest, as prices plunge in producing districts but remain relatively high in the capital, market insiders said.
While watermelon prices have dropped by nearly 50 per cent in major producing areas such as Barguna, Patuakhali, the Chattogram Hill Tracts, Khulna, Dinajpur and Thakurgaon, prices in Dhaka have declined marginally.
In Patuakhali and Barguna, a large watermelon (6.0-8.0 kg) that sold for Tk 180-200 just two weeks ago now sells for only Tk 90-100 per piece.
In contrast, the same fruit is being sold for Tk 280-350 in Dhaka, down by only Tk 20-30 per piece, according to vendors.
At the farm level in Khulna, Barishal and Patuakhali, medium-sized watermelons (3.0-5.0 kg) are changing hands for as low as Tk 50-60. But in Dhaka's retail markets, similar watermelons are priced at Tk 180-200 per piece.
Traders at Karwan Bazar and Jatrabari wholesale markets said watermelons are typically sold in bulk, with a minimum purchase of 100 pieces.
Currently, 100 large watermelons (6.0-8.0 kg each) are being sold at Tk 18,000-20,000, or Tk 180-200 per piece, compared to Tk 22,000-24,000 two weeks ago.
Medium-sized fruits are selling at Tk 8,000-9,000 per 100 pieces, while smaller ones (2.0-3.0 kg) are priced at Tk 3,000-4,000 per 100 pieces, excluding transport and commission costs, said Ekabbar Hossain, a wholesaler at Jatrabari.
He attributed the price fall to a surge in supply from Patuakhali, Barguna and Khulna, coupled with weak demand in Dhaka following the Eid holidays.
Md Hasan Ali Mridha, a farmer from Bauphal in Patuakhali, said he cultivated watermelons on 15 bighas of land this season and achieved good yields, but prices have dropped significantly.
Farmers who harvested during Ramadan made profits, but those selling now are incurring losses, he said, adding that current prices are 10-15 per cent lower than the production costs.
Dr Md Amanul Islam, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Patuakhali, said production in the district has increased by 25 per cent due to favourable weather.
He said over 34,480 hectares of land have been brought under cultivation this year, with expected output of around 1.15 million tonnes. Although harvesting slowed in some areas during Eid, it has now resumed in full swing.
Nationwide, around 75,000 hectares have been brought under commercial watermelon cultivation this season, according to the DAE.
Bangladesh produces about 2.5-2.7 million tonnes of watermelons annually, with Patuakhali alone accounting for more than 30 per cent.
Traders said most supplies are currently coming from southern regions such as Noakhali, Bhola and Patuakhali.

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