A young entrepreneur in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar has drawn widespread attention by cultivating a rare yellow-fleshed watermelon variety, inspired by social media.
Khorshed Alam, an environmentalist and journalist from Domabari village under Goalbari Union, first became interested in the crop after watching videos on YouTube. What began as a small trial in 2022 has now developed into a promising agricultural venture.
He is regarded as the first farmer in the area to cultivate yellow watermelon. Since his initial success, he has continued production each year, gradually increasing both interest and demand among local farmers and consumers.
The fruit has gained popularity for its unique colour, pleasant aroma, and sweet taste, attracting visitors from different parts of Sylhet and beyond.
Khorshed sourced seeds of the “Lanfai” variety and cultivated the crop on 33 decimals of land in November last year. He received technical support from the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Sylhet Region Agricultural Development Project.
Encouraged by a good yield, he plans to expand cultivation to nearly three bighas next season.
“I invested around Tk 3 lakh and expect to earn between Tk 5 to 6 lakh,” Khorshed said. “Previously, this land remained unused after paddy harvest. Now it has become productive.”
His initiative has sparked curiosity across the region, with many visitors coming to see and taste the fruit for the first time. Some have already expressed interest in growing the crop themselves.
During a recent visit, Kulaura Press Club President Md Moshabbir Ali praised the initiative, saying such innovative efforts by young entrepreneurs can inspire others to utilize unused land effectively.
Khorshed believes that large areas of land in the region remain fallow and could be used productively by unemployed youth through seasonal farming.
According to him, yellow watermelon is a winter crop that matures within three months, making it suitable for short-term cultivation. The local soil and climate are also favourable for its production.
Juri Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmudul Alam confirmed the increasing interest, noting that farmers and visitors are coming daily to observe the crop. He assured that agricultural authorities are ready to support interested growers.
He also highlighted that yellow watermelon is a high-value crop rich in vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants, making it both nutritious and commercially viable.
Local residents expressed excitement over the initiative. Many said they had never seen yellow watermelon before and were impressed after tasting it. Farmers in the area are now considering similar cultivation, seeing it as an opportunity to make better use of unused land.
The initiative has not only created economic potential but also inspired a new approach to farming in the region.
