DUMURIA, KHULNA, Oct 5: In Bhulbaria Village of Sharafpur Union in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna, the desert fruit known as Sammam (rockmelon) is being cultivated commercially. The fruit hangs from trellises built over fish enclosures (ghers). While its taste and aroma are somewhat similar to watermelon, its distinct sweetness is making it rapidly popular in the market.
Local farmers say that while the cost is relatively low, the profit is several times higher. According to agricultural officials, this could become a promising alternative crop for farmers in the future.
Farmer Md. Shahin Uddin Ghazi from Bhulbaria village said, "At first, I thought it wouldn't be possible to cultivate a desert fruit in our area. Then I planted Sammam on two bighas of land. The cost was about Tk 50,000. Now, looking at the yield, I feel I have gotten even better results than expected. I am also getting a good price in the market. Next year, I will cultivate it on more land."
The cultivation process for this fruit is similar to watermelon farming. Seeds are usually sown in mid-June, and the fruit is ready for harvest within 70 to 80 days. The cost per bigha is Tk 20,000 to 25,000, while the sales revenue exceeds Tk 100,000. Farmers say they are profiting economically as the crop is harvested in a short time. However, with support from the agricultural office, it would be possible to cultivate on a larger scale.
Another farmer, Md. Golam Rasul Sheikh, said, "Although the cost of Sammam cultivation is somewhat high, the profit is as expected. The income per bigha is over Tk 100,000. Market demand is increasing day by day. If the Agriculture Office provides regular training and support, many more farmers like us will be interested in this cultivation."
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Sammam is being cultivated not only in Dumuria but also in Khulna's Batiaghata, Dacope, Rupsa, and Terokhada upazilas. In the local market, the fruit is selling for Tk 130 to 150 per kilogram. Demand is also rapidly increasing in major city markets, including the capital.
Dumuria Upazila Agriculture Officer, Agriculturist Md. Insad Ibn Amin, said, "We have been providing various advice to farmers in Dumuria Upazila on Sammam cultivation. If farmers demand it, training will also be arranged. Government support was not possible this season, but in the future, there will be efforts to provide incentives and free seeds."
Recently, Additional Director of the DAE for the Khulna Region Agriculturist Md. Rafiqul Islam, and Deputy Director (DD) of the DAE for Khulna District Agriculturist Md. Nazrul Islam visited the diverse assortment of vegetables on the embankments of the fish enclosures in Bhulbaria Village.
Additional Director Agriculturist Md. Rafiqul Islam said, "Farmers are cultivating off-season beans on the embankments and watermelon, sweet pumpkin, and cucumber on trellises. Not an inch of land is lying fallow. This model from Dumuria will be expanded to other upazilas in the Khulna region so that farmers can profit by cultivating various crops during the off-season."
DD Md. Nazrul Islam said, "As the cultivation method is easy, farmers' interest is increasing. This year, Sammam has been cultivated on about 17 hectares of land in various upazilas of the district, including Dumuria. The crop from 5 hectares has already been harvested. With a potential yield of 24 metric tons per hectare, the total production could be around 408 metric tons. Farmers are being given training and advice. If market management is improved, Sammam cultivation will become a profitable agricultural sector in the future."
Agricultural experts say that Sammam has adapted well to the soil and climate of the Khulna region. However, it is essential to focus on quality seeds, proper care, and market management. If government support and modern agricultural technology can be utilised, Sammam cultivation has the potential to open new horizons not only in the southern region but also in the entire agricultural economy of the country.
