Travellers along the scenic Marine Drive Road, Cox’s Bazar, are often seen stopping their vehicles to buy freshly harvested watermelons displayed beside the roadside fields.
At different points along the long coastal road, temporary stalls selling seasonal watermelons appear throughout the harvesting season. During the holy month of Ramadan, many people stop along the way to buy fresh fruit for iftar, while some even slice and enjoy watermelons right by the roadside.
Borhan, a local youth, said farmers cultivate seasonal watermelons on agricultural land and sandy fields adjacent to Marine Drive.
“The sandy soil and favourable coastal climate help the watermelons grow larger and sweeter. Since they are brought directly from the fields and sold by the roadside, buyers are able to get very fresh fruit,” he said.
Vendors said the current price of watermelons ranges between Tk 70 and Tk 120 per kilogram, depending on size and quality. Smaller watermelons are available for around Tk 150 to Tk 200, while larger ones may cost between Tk 300 and Tk 500.
Another seller said most of the watermelons are grown on nearby land along Marine Drive.
“We harvest them from the fields and sell them by the roadside. Tourists often stop their vehicles to buy watermelons, which helps farmers get a fair price while also giving us a source of income,” he said.
Locals said that when tourist traffic increases along Marine Drive during the travel season, watermelon sales also rise, creating an additional source of income for coastal farmers in the area.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Hussain Shetu
