An unusual yet inspiring scene has emerged on the sandy dunes beside the casuarina grove near Kabita Chattar along Cox’s Bazar sea beach.
Amid golden sands and salty sea air, a variety of winter vegetables are being cultivated—most notably bottle gourd.
Sprawling directly over the sandy ground, the vines are dotted with yellow blossoms and healthy green gourds, defying conventional wisdom in farming.
Bottle gourd is typically grown on fertile agricultural land, but local farmers here are challenging that notion with their innovative approach.
Through careful maintenance, regular irrigation, and the use of organic fertiliser, the plants have grown strong and productive.
In many plots, the vines trail freely across the sand without trellises, bearing fresh gourds along the creepers.
According to residents, the coastal climate during winter—marked by ample sunlight and moderate temperatures—creates favourable conditions for bottle gourd cultivation.
The nearby casuarina trees also act as a natural barrier, reducing the direct impact of salty winds. As a result, even sandy soil is yielding promising harvests.
Alongside the gourds, bottle gourd leaves are also widely consumed, with locals regularly collecting them for both household use and sale.
Both the vegetable and its leaves are valued for their nutritional benefits, being rich in vitamins and minerals.
The sight of this unconventional farming has also drawn the attention of beachgoers.
Many tourists pause to take photographs, while others engage in conversation with the farmers to learn about cultivation techniques suited to sandy terrain.
Agriculture experts believe that with proper planning, sandy lands in coastal regions like Cox’s Bazar could be effectively utilised for winter vegetable production.
The bottle gourd fields near Kobita Chattar stand as a practical example—where, along the edge of the sea, a quiet story of resilience, innovation, and green possibility is taking root in harmony with nature.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
