The popular summer fruit watermelon has made an unusual appearance in Cox’s Bazar’s winter markets, catching the attention of shoppers.
The off-season availability intrigues many, but the high prices deter regular purchases.
Watermelons are now available for sale at various markets and fruit shops across the city, including Boro Bazar, Kolatoli, Laldighi Par, Tekpara, and tourist zones.
Traders claim that the fruits are primarily sourced from the coastal areas of Cox’s Bazar and its surrounding regions.
Currently, watermelons are priced between Tk 80 and Tk 100 per kilogram.
Depending on size, a single fruit costs between Tk 300 and Tk 500—prices many consumers consider beyond their reach.
A customer at a local market said, “It’s terrific to see watermelon available in winter, but the price is too high.
Compared to summer, it’s almost double now, so buying it regularly isn’t possible.”
Vendors, however, attribute the higher prices to increased production and transportation expenses during the winter season.
Asad, a fruit seller, explained that cultivating and bringing watermelons to market out of season involves higher expenses.
“Because it’s off-season, costs are higher from farming to transportation, so we can’t reduce the price,” he said.
Experts believe winter watermelon could open up new market opportunities, but prices may only become affordable if production and supply increase.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Mohammad Morshed
