As far as the eye can see, rows upon rows of watermelons blanket the green fields. The vines themselves are almost invisible, yet the juicy fruits appear to have burst straight out of the soil. This year, Shah Porir Dwip— the southernmost settlement of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar—has witnessed a bumper watermelon harvest.
The sweet watermelons grown in this coastal area are meeting local demand and are also being supplied to neighbouring upazilas. Farmers say prices are currently moderate due to the winter season, but expect them to rise in the coming weeks. With yields exceeding expectations, growers are hopeful of making a substantial profit.
A different scene unfolds in the watermelon fields during the mornings. Visitors from nearby areas flock to the fields—some taking photographs, others buying fresh watermelons straight from the farms. Numerous families gather in the open fields, savoring the freshly cut fruit immediately.
Local resident Osman Bin Taleb said, “The watermelon harvest has been exceptionally excellent in our area this year. My friends and I went to the fields, ate watermelons there, and also bought some to take home. Eating a watermelon picked straight from the field has a charm of its own.”
According to farmers, the coastal soil and climate of Shah Porir Dwip are particularly suitable for watermelon cultivation. Low production costs and high yields have encouraged many farmers to take up watermelon farming this season. While growers are delighted with the abundant harvest, buyers are equally pleased to receive fresh, tasty fruit.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
