Development, Adaptation and upscaling of improved Watermelon production technologies for crop intensification in the coastal region

The researchable issue of Watermelon cultivation in the coastal area is new because varietal interventions and management practices day by day is changing. The knowledge of watermelon cultivation is not adequate. Agronomic practices, diseases and pest control measures were taken but not satisfactory. Generate modern technologies on Watermelon for sustaining the cropping system in the country and one component technologies will be developed for southern agriculture system under this project.

A baseline survey and an inception workshop were conducted and co-operative farmers were selected in each location for conduction of project activities. For smooth implementation of the research activities the co-operator farmers have given training on recommended production technologies of Watermelon production. Variety will be identified by different screening; adaptive trial, suitable management technologies will be developed for southern agriculture system under this project.

Six experiments have been executed in the research station and farmer’s field. Different experimentation also set up in the farmer’s field according to the farmers need and objectives. One hundred ninety farmers already trained and able to production technologies of watermelon. Besides, 80 participants from different stack holder also participate in inception workshop at KGF training center, Farmgate Dhaka and 100 farmers also gathered knowledge and sharing their knowledge for better improvement of production technology through field days. All the activities are now in the field. From the 1st year result: A screening program of watermelon was conducted in the Koyra of Khulna district during 2023-24. A total of 14 genotypes were accommodated in this program. From the trial highest fruit yield was observed in Sweet Black-2 (61.16 t ha-1) and lowest in var. Sonya (23.54 t ha-1). The 2nd year experiment is now in the field. Under up-scaling program, adaptive trial was conducted at different locations of MLT site Kalapara, Patuakhali under Patuakhali district during Rabi season of 2023-24. The maximum vine length (295 cm), average individual fruit weight (10.78 kg), fruit yield (45.75 t ha-1) and TSS (10.82%) was found in var. hybrid Big family followed by var. BARI Tormuj-2 (272 cm, 4.79 kg and 29.43 t ha-1 respectively. The maximum MBCR (4.06) was obtained from locally available hybrid followed by BARI Tormuj-2 (3.03) and lowest (2.71) from var. BARI Tormuj-1. Another one from Bhola, the highest vine length (272 cm), no. of fruits/pit (1.9), average individual fruit weight (9.60 kg) and fruit yield (47.13 t ha-1) was found in var. hybrid Super followed by BARI Tormuj-2 (265 cm, 2.9, 5.50 kg and 38.67 t ha-1 respectively).

Among the F1 watermelon varieties available in the market, some high yielding variety i.e; Sweet black-2, Lucky dragon, Pakeeza showed better results in respect of yield and profitability. BARI Tormuj-2 perform better in respect of yield, sweetness and its yellowish color in both of rabi and kharif season. Mostly important that it’s an OP variety, farmers can store seed easily. Vermicompost application with inorganic fertilizer doses in coastal saline soil, maximum yield obtained as well as Total Soluble Solids (TSS) increased in watermelon production.

By proper implementation of the project appropriate variety, a suitable management technology will be developed and the yield of watermelon will be increased and the socio-economic condition of the farmers will be enriched.

After completion of the project, the melon researchers (academician) will get the information for further advanced research for watermelon variety, its modern production techniques and highly effective environmental and eco-friendly insect-disease management technology that will reduce enormous yield loss of watermelon. Major objectives of this project to evaluate suitability of watermelon varieties appropriate for coastal region, develop management technologies of watermelon and increase the yield and economic return from watermelon through improved production package.