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MAGURA, May 14: Cultivation of nalim, a melon variety, is gaining popularity among the grassroots farmers in the district.
The Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Magura, sources said over 205 hectares of land were brought under the production of nalim in the district this season.
Hazipur, Mirjapur, Hazrapur, Narihati, Fulbari, Shibrampur and Mithapur are well-known for producing quality nalim in the district.
About 2,000 farmers are engaged in farming of the seasonal juicy fruit.
Farmers' sources said nalim cultivation requires low cost. It is of a short-duration. The fruit can be harvested after three months of its cultivation.
Growers said nalim and water melon grow during the same season. They are also similar in taste. But price of water melon is higher than nalim.
Locally-produced nalim is sent to different districts for high demand.
Shaken Biswas of Narihati village under Magura Sadar said, "I have brought 16 bighas of land under nalim cultivation this season. In the meantime I have earned Tk 0.4 million from the sale of the fruit and am expecting to make more profit this season."
The grower said, "Nalim cultivation is profitable. I have been growing it over the last seven years. I plan to expand the production nest season", the grower further said.
Golam Nobi of Mirjapur village under Magura Sadar said around 8,000 to 10,000 nalims can be produced in a bigha of land. It is selling at Tk 5.0 to Tk 7.0 per piece in the local market.
Magura DAE official Shohrab Hossein said nalim farming is gaining is gaining popularity in the district for high production and profit. It is popular for short-duration and high yield. Moreover, farmers can produce the item at a low cost.
"The department provides quality seeds among the peasants to boost the production of nalim", the official further said.