Watermelon Cultivation: A Strategic Shift in Bangladesh’s Rabi Agriculture

 

Watermelon Cultivation: A Strategic Shift in Bangladesh’s Rabi Agriculture

 

Prof. Dr Md. Jafar Ullah

Former Dean, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

(Written on 4 February 2026)

 

 

A New Cropping Pattern Emerges

As Bangladesh enters another agricultural year, an observable transition is taking place in the cropping pattern of rabi lands across the country. Historically dominated by boro rice, many farmers—particularly those in char and coastal areas—are increasingly opting for watermelon and maize as alternative rabi crops. This shift reflects evolving economic incentives, changing climatic conditions, and shifting market demand, especially in light of the approaching holy month of Ramadan.

Watermelon Acreage Expands Rapidly

The transformation is most evident in expanded watermelon acreage. According to the latest available statistics from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), watermelon production in Bangladesh nearly quadrupled in the most recent fiscal year, rising from about 581,677 metric tonnes to approximately 1.98 million metric tonnes, while the area under cultivation increased from around 64,718 acres to about 142,817 acres. These figures indicate a remarkable expansion of commercial watermelon cultivation within a short period.

Ramadan Demand Fuels Production Growth

First, this surge has been driven by several interrelated factors. First, the timing of water recession in char areas has allowed watermelon crops to align with peak Ramadan demand. In northern chars, where floodwaters typically recede early (as early as November), sowing takes place sooner, and harvests begin before or early into Ramadan. In contrast, southern chars—where floodwaters linger longer, often until December—tend to produce ripe watermelons later in the holy month. This staggered production window has enabled a sustained supply to urban and rural markets throughout Ramadan, bolstering farmers’ opportunities to capture better prices.

Economic Advantages over Boro Rice

Second, the economics of watermelon production are increasingly attractive when compared with boro rice. Boro rice remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s rice economy, cultivated on roughly 4.07 million hectares and accounting for more than half of total rice area nationally. However, boro rice requires continuous irrigation throughout its cropping cycle, making it costly in terms of water and energy inputs. By contrast, watermelon and maize typically require just two to three irrigations during their shorter growing season, reducing both irrigation costs and dependency on scarce groundwater. The lower input requirement translates to a smaller cost of production and less risk of input price fluctuations.

Higher Profitability Encourages Farmers

While comprehensive nationwide comparative data on per-hectare profitability remain limited publicly, regional reports and extension estimates underscore the financial advantage of watermelon. For example, in southwestern regions such as Khulna and Bagerhat, farmers have shifted substantial areas from paddy to watermelon, reporting returns that substantially exceed those of boro rice on equivalent land. In some localities, farmers earn returns that are multiple times higher than what they previously garnered from paddy cultivation, after accounting for input costs and labour.

Strong Markets Strengthen Farmer Confidence

Moreover, market demand for watermelon remains strong as Bangladesh moves into the warmer months. In the lead-up to summer and during Ramadan, consumers increasingly prefer watermelon for its hydrating qualities, driving up retail demand and enabling farmers to secure stable market outlets. Maize, too, offers assured off-take through poultry and feed markets, adding to its appeal.

Climate Risks Threaten Sustainability

Nevertheless, the shift towards watermelon cultivation also brings challenges that merit attention. Watermelon’s susceptibility to waterlogging makes it vulnerable to climatic extremes. Early high tides in rivers and unexpected flooding can submerge fields, resulting in crop loss. Likewise, heavy rainfall during the maturation period can lead to prolonged waterlogging, which the crop cannot tolerate. These climatic risks are particularly pronounced in low-lying chars and coastal tracts, where tidal dynamics and erratic rainfall patterns are intensifying. In such scenarios, farmers often face not only yield loss but also quality deterioration.

Maintaining Quality and Market Access

Quality management and market timing add further complexity. To capture early Ramadan market prices, some farmers resort to premature harvesting, which can compromise sweetness and fruit quality, ultimately affecting consumer satisfaction and longer-term demand. Transport and logistical constraints also burden char cultivators: inadequate rural transport infrastructure and delays at river crossings can increase post-harvest losses and reduce net returns.

Storage Limitations and Price Volatility

Another structural issue is the limited storability of watermelon. Unlike cereals or legumes, watermelon cannot be stored for extended periods, forcing farmers to sell immediately after harvest. The inability to withhold supply when market prices are low exposes producers to price volatility and margin erosion, particularly when harvests coincide with supply gluts.

A Broader Transformation of Rabi Agriculture

While these constraints persist, the larger trend of expanding watermelon cultivation points to a broader recalibration of Bangladesh’s rabi agriculture. The quadrupling of production in a single year reflects not only farmers’ responsiveness to market opportunities but also the adaptability of Bangladesh’s rural economy to changing demand patterns and climatic conditions.

Policy Priorities for Sustainable Diversification

For policymakers and agricultural planners, this shift underscores the need for targeted support. Investment in rural infrastructure, flood-resilient farming systems, research on improved varieties with better waterlogging tolerance, and strengthened market linkages could further enhance the viability of watermelon and other high-value rabi crops. Enhanced extension services and risk mitigation mechanisms will be essential to support smallholder farmers who, increasingly, are choosing diversification over traditional monocropping.

Watermelon’s rise is not merely an agricultural phenomenon; it signals a broader transformation in land use and rural livelihoods in Bangladesh. Recognizing this change and responding with thoughtful policy measures will be key to ensuring that the benefits of this transition are sustained and equitably shared among Bangladesh’s farming communities.

 

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