Farmer cultivates off-season watermelons in Sonargaon

Watermelons of different sizes and colours some black and some yellow are hanging in rows from trellises beside a pond instead of growing on the ground. The unusual sight is attracting the attention of passers-by and local farmers.

Farmer Ramzan Ali has set a unique example in Sonargaon, Narayanganj, by cultivating watermelons out of season using modern agricultural technology.

Ataur Rahman, acting chairman of Noagaon Union Parishad, said, “It is highly encouraging for us to see an educated young person like Ramzan Ali advancing modern agriculture. His initiative is inspiring other young people and farmers in the area.”

Abu Sayeed Tarek, agriculture officer of Sonargaon upazila, said the involvement of educated young people like Ramzan Ali in modern agriculture is a positive example for local farming.

He said the Department of Agricultural Extension is providing Ramzan with necessary technical advice as well as support in the form of fertiliser, seeds and pesticides.

Ramzan Ali, son of Yunus Ali of Gourabardi village under Noagaon Union of Sonargaon upazila, grew up in a farming family and developed an interest in agriculture from an early age. After completing his Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) degree, he chose farming as his profession instead of pursuing a conventional job.

Ramzan began his hands-on journey in agriculture in 2009. In 2014, he started using the mulching method for cultivation. He initially grew tomatoes and snake gourds and later expanded his farm to include various local and foreign varieties of vegetables and fruits.

Over the years, he has continued experimenting with modern technologies, improved seed varieties and innovative cultivation methods.

At present, Ramzan is cultivating Kalachan and Tripti varieties of watermelon on seven bighas of land using trellises. Numerous watermelons are hanging amid the green vines. Alongside watermelon cultivation, he is also farming fish in the pond and growing bitter gourds, bottle gourds and other vegetables on the pond banks.

Ramzan said he has spent around Tk 100,000 on watermelon cultivation this season. If the yield and market prices remain favourable, he expects to earn a profit of around Tk 400,000 after selling the produce.

“I give more importance to technology-based modern farming than conventional cultivation methods,” Ramzan said.

He said he has improved his farming techniques by gathering agricultural information from YouTube and taking advice from the Department of Agricultural Extension. His farm produce is sold at markets and wholesale outlets in the capital’s Jatrabari and Gausia areas.

According to Ramzan, his adoption of modern farming techniques currently enables him to earn an average of around Tk 50,000 per month.

He is satisfied with his decision to choose agriculture as a profession instead of seeking a job or going abroad. He believes agriculture can become a promising source of employment for young people if farming is carried out in a planned and modern way.

Ramzan’s innovative farming initiative has generated interest not only among local farmers but also among educated young people. Many visitors come to his farm to learn about modern agricultural techniques and seek advice on cultivation.

Agriculture experts believe that increasing crop production by adopting new technologies and considering market demand, rather than relying solely on conventional farming methods, can increase farmers’ incomes and encourage more young people to take up agriculture.

Ramzan Ali’s initiative stands as a practical example of how modern and planned farming can create new opportunities in the agricultural sector.