Barisal, one of Bangladesh’s key watermelon-producing regions, is showing growing interest in loft cultivation—the practice of using sheds or elevated structures to grow watermelons—particularly for off-season production. While direct success stories from Barisal remain limited, the approach is gaining attention among local farmers looking to extend harvests and increase profits.
Regional Watermelon Trends: Barisal’s 2025 Production Exceeds Targets
In 2025, watermelon cultivation in Barisal reached 123,300 acres, surpassing initial targets. Favourable weather conditions and fertile land in areas like Patuakhali and Bhola contributed to high yields. Farmers reported large fruits weighing up to 22 kilograms, often selling at Tk 300 per piece at wholesale markets. Despite retail markups by middlemen, local producers saw substantial income gains, reinforcing Barisal’s position as a watermelon hub.
Nearby Loft Cultivation Success Stories Inspire Barisal Farmers
Although Barisal’s loft stories are still emerging, Jhenaidah farmers have demonstrated the method’s potential. Abdur Rahim, for example, cultivated 2,000 watermelons (3–5 kg each) on 52 decimals of land using 11 lofts with modern mulching techniques. With an investment of Tk 40,000, he earned Tk 125,000 in sales, securing a profit of Tk 80,000 in just 2.5 months. These successes are prompting Barisal farmers to experiment with similar structures to achieve higher off-season yields.
Broader Off-Season Watermelon Wins Across Bangladesh
Other regions, such as Kishorganj, have reported impressive returns from off-season watermelon cultivation. Farmer Abu Bakkar Siddique harvested Black Queen watermelons from 40 decimals of land, earning over Tk 100,000 in 70 days with technical guidance. These results highlight the potential of loft cultivation to provide year-round income and inspire adoption in Barisal. Local media reports and YouTube videos show farmers testing loft methods for summer watermelon varieties, signalling a slow but steady expansion of the practice.
Summary:
Loft watermelon cultivation is emerging as a promising method for off-season production in Barisal. With high yields, good prices, and nearby success stories from Jhenaidah and Kishorganj, farmers are increasingly exploring elevated structures and modern techniques to maximise income and achieve year-round harvests.
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