Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South) 

A local entrepreneur has successfully conducted experimental cultivation of the exotic melon fruit known as "sammam" on an elevated piece of land in Sreenagar. 

The initiative was taken  in Bibondi Char of Kukutia Union in the upazila. Around mid-January of this year, a young man named Arafat Aman Shimul planted approximately 1,500 saplings on the elevated land.

He began selling ripe sammam fruits from the 15th day of Ramadan. Although the yield was lower due to drought, recent intermittent rains have helped the plants bear more fruit. So far, over a thousand melons have been sold. Locally, the fruit is being sold at a price of 80 to 100 taka per kilogram. Many locals are referring to the fruit as an exotic variety.

A field visit revealed that about 3.25 acres of elevated land have been used for sammam cultivation. No trellis structures were used for support. Numerous cream-colored fruits have grown on the plants. Each mature, plump fruit weighs approximately 1.25 kilograms. Locals noted that the fruit is not only visually appealing but also very tasty. While the fruit is selling for around 200 taka per kilogram in Dhaka markets, people in the area are able to enjoy it at more affordable prices.

Entrepreneur Arafat Aman Shimul said, “As far as I know, this is a variety of sammam melon. The fruit has a cream-colored exterior, and its interior is nearly the same in color. It has a mildly sweet taste and resembles exotic melons. This is my first attempt at experimental cultivation. However, pest infestation has slightly reduced the yield. I am planning for commercial cultivation in the future.”

It is learnt that the experimental cultivation cost around 20,000 to 30,000 taka. He believes that with expert agricultural guidance, commercial cultivation of this fruit can be highly profitable. Assistant Agricultural Officer Sami Akter, responsible for the Kukutia area, stated that she is aware of the sammam cultivation in the area and plans to visit the site soon for inspection.