Water crisis hits watermelon production : Farmers demand canal excavation in Kalapara
Sowmetrow Sumon, Payra Port (Patuakhali)
Many farmers in Kalapara, Patuakhali, have not achieved the expected watermelon yield due to a shortage of fresh water.
Khokon Sikder from Mithaganj village achieved a bumper harvest using water from a government canal, those who had to rely on saline river water faced losses.
Farmers from various areas in Kalapara reported that dried-up canals forced them to use saline water for irrigation, resulting in lower yields and smaller-sized watermelons. They have urged authorities to reclaim and excavate occupied and silted canals.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Arafat Hossain stated that watermelon has been cultivated on 3,500 hectares in Kalapara this year. However, many canals lack sufficient water, causing difficulties for farmers. The matter has been reported to higher authorities.
