Watermelon could be the next big catch for the people of Berti village of Trong Gewog in Zhemgang. 12 households of the village have cultivated watermelon in about three acres of their paddy fields.
This is the first large scale cultivation of the fruit in Berti. The promising harvest has left the villagers beaming with hope.
Agriculture officials say the village has always been a potential site for farming.
“The village with a plain landscape has favorable climatic conditions. Also, we wanted to discourage farmers from leaving their lands fallow in winter,” said Mon Bdr. Monger, the Extension Officer of Trong Gewog.
Initially, farmers were skeptical about taking up mass watermelon farming, but not anymore.
“It is a tiring job but it has paid off with a bountiful harvest. We are already planning to double the production next time,” said Leki Wangmo.
“Cultivating the fruit is a back-breaking job but the income that would come from its sale is encouraging,” said Tshokey Lhamo.
From next season, the dzongkhag agriculture office plans to go fully commercial and involve more households.
