The markets in Kachua's Signboard area, along with several other locations in Bagerhat, are now abuzz with fresh watermelon sales.

Fruit vendors have arranged their stalls with the succulent summer delight, attracting buyers eager to enjoy its refreshing taste. Watermelons are currently being sold at Tk 50 per kilogramme, with a variety of sizes and types available across the region.

The demand for watermelon has surpassed that of other fruits, particularly as it is a staple for iftar during Ramadan. Most of the watermelons arriving in Bagerhat have been sourced from Barishal.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Bagerhat, this year's harvest has been particularly good.

A visit to Kachua's Signboard market revealed piles of watermelons stacked both inside and behind fruit stalls. Buyers, including pedestrians and motorists, were seen stopping by to purchase the fruit.

Watermelons weighing between 3kg and 7.5kg were prominently available.

Alamgir Hossain, a fruit vendor, recently said, "Today is the first day we are selling watermelons. There is a significant demand for them, especially for iftar during Ramadan. We are selling both by weight and as whole pieces to accommodate customers' preferences. The price per piece varies between Tk 200 and Tk 300, while per kilogramme, it costs Tk 50. However, prices are expected to drop in the coming days."

Shoppers have been eager to buy the fruit despite its relatively high price. Mamun Khan, a customer, said, "This is the first time I've seen watermelons available this season. I bought a seven-kilogramme watermelon for Tk 50 per kg."

Another buyer, van driver Soleman Sheikh, shared his experiences, saying, "I purchased a 3.5-kilogramme watermelon. Although the price is a bit high, we all love watermelons. Since it's the start of the season, I opted for a smaller one."

Shankar Kumar Majumdar, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Bagerhat, said, "Watermelon is available throughout the year in small quantities, but its peak season is March. Various hybrid varieties are being cultivated in different regions of the country, and this year's yield has been excellent. Since the fruit has just arrived in the markets, prices are currently on the higher side."

He added, "Hybrid varieties such as Dragon King, Big Family, Asian, and Banglalink have been cultivated this year. Watermelons are primarily grown in the summer and winter seasons. The saplings for the summer variety are planted between November and December."