Water melon production in Bangladesh: An agro-economic profile and constraints to its higher production at farm level

Abstract

This study was undertaken at patiya upazila in Chittagong and Natore sadar upazila in Natore district to study the present technological status, profitability and constraints to watermelon cultivation. A total of 70 sample farmers were selected (35 from each area) at random and data were collected through interview schedules during 1989-90. Top yield variety in Natore and glory variety in Chittagong gave the highest yield of watermelon. It is a profitable crop .Because of early perios of cultivation, the farmers in Chittagong area got higher price and higher return to watermelon. Cost of cultivation, both of full-cost and cash-cost basis, were greater in Chittagong area than Natore area because of high cost of irrigation and land preparation. Lack of good quality seeds especially for Natore area, and high desease in festation and irrigation problems for Chittagong area were the major problems of watermelon cultivation. Development of disease resistant variety, appropriate pest management practices, irrigation facilities, and supply of good quality seeds are same of the suggested areas for higher production of watermlon.