Initiated under the Integrated Horticulture Promotional Project of JICA, this is the first successful watermelon harvest in western region.
The organically grown watermelons from Punakha made its debut in the market this season. Farmers are happy with the returns they got after selling watermelons.
Pema Dorji, a 60-year-old from Samdhenkha village, grew watermelon saplings in march this year in his half-acre land. The saplings were provided by Agriculture Research and Development Centre based in Bajo. Pema was also trained on watermelon cultivation and said he is happy with the output. “The yield is good. If there are 100 fruits, we can get around 30,000 to 40,000 ngultrum. Comparing to vegetables, growing watermelon is profitable.” He added ” If the size of a fruit is good, we can fetch around 600 Nu. from a single fruit. But for chilli, we do not even get 300 Nu. for a sack full.”
Similarly, Namgay Wangmo has started earning from the fruit. She earned 1500 ngultrum this time. “The profit is 100 per cent. We fetch about 80 ngultrum a kilogram from watermelon. With such support, we feel encouraged to continue growing watermelon.” she said.
The senior agriculture officer with Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Bajo, Sonam Chophel said the initiative to grow watermelon was to improve import substitution and increase rural income. ” At present we hear about the chemicals in the fruits that we import. The one we grow here are organic. Since the watermelon season does not fall during paddy cultivation, it could contribute towards optimum utilization of the field.”
He said the centre would provide facilities and other related technical support to interested farmers in taking-up watermelon farm. Three varieties of watermelon – kabukie, black ball large and small – were distributed to three gewogs in Punakha.
