The sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal are seeing a green transformation as early watermelon cultivation yields high profits for coastal farmers. In areas like Jahajmara and Modhubi, land that remained barren for years is now producing watermelons as early as mid-February, months ahead of the traditional season.
Farmer Monju Pedha (48) shared that despite the challenge of saline water, they are irrigating the fields with fresh water stored in manually dug pits. Local agriculture officials highlighted the massive potential of these sandy stretches, noting that early harvests fetch better market prices. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Kawsar Hamid assured that the government is planning improved irrigation and reservoir facilities to tackle the fresh water crisis, aiming to further boost the coastal agrarian economy.