Manikganj’s Sholdhara, now `a village of melons’

Sholdhara, a small village in Ghior Upazila of Manikganj, has earned a new identity of a 'melon village'. With the arrival of summer, the sweet and juicy aroma of locally-grown melons fills the air, transforming not just the landscape but the lives of hundreds of farming families.

While summer melon (bangi) cultivation is common in many parts of the country, Sholdhara has emerged as a unique example.

Melons grown here are not only delicious but also large and visually appealing. Their reputation has spread beyond Manikganj to capital Dhaka and other districts. This season, more than 200 farmers and farm workers in Sholdhara have cultivated melons. Some have planted on a single bigha of land, while others have gone up to five bighas. Each farmer shares a story of hard work, resilience and success.

A recent visit to the area revealed vast land covered with melon fields. From once barren plots to small homestead yards, melons are growing everywhere.

The fragrance of ripe melons hangs in the air, as farmers - both men and women - are seen collecting the fruit in baskets, bargaining with wholesalers right at the fields, or heading to the market.

An informal melon market has sprung up along the Sholdhara-Baniajuri road, particularly near the Baniajuri bus stand.

It operates every morning and afternoon during the season, selling only melons. Depending on size, each melon is priced between Tk 30 and Tk 300. Wholesalers buy directly from the fields and transport the fruit to markets in Dhaka.

A farmer, Bubul Mia, has cultivated melons on four bighas of land. "I spent around Tk 45,000 in total. I've already sold melons for Tk 0.12 million (1.2 lakh). The return is better than I expected."

Samela Akhter, a female farmer, shared, "We had excellent yields this year. Each melon weighs between 3 to 5 kg. Initially, we sold them for Tk 200 to Tk 300 each. Prices have dropped a bit now, but we've made about Tk 25,000 so far, and more melons are left to sell."

Another farmer, Baten Munshi, said, "I've cultivated melons on three bighas and already earned around Tk 1 lakh. I expect another Tk 60,000 to 70,000. Many local farmers are now turning to melon farming.'

Wholesaler Shafiqul Alam, who buys directly from the fields every morning, said, "Each basket of melons costs between Tk 800 and Tk 1,200. On average, each melon costs me over Tk 50. I sell them in Manikganj town markets for Tk 60 to Tk 100."

Baniajuri Union Parishad Chairman S R Ansari Biltu noted, "Melon farming has become a primary source of income for nearly 200 families here. A seasonal melon market is now an established feature near Baniajuri bus stand. The fame of Sholdhara's melons has reached far beyond our locality."

Ghior Upazila Agriculture Officer Tahmina Khatun said, "The melons grown in this area are exceptionally sweet and juicy. About four hectares of land have been cultivated this season, with good yields. We continue to support the farmers with high-quality seeds, advice, and technical assistance."

asadlimon@gmail.com