(BSS) - Md. Alam Sheikh, a resident of Fulgachi village in Dumuria upazila of Khulna, has become self-reliant through the commercial cultivation of ridge gourd, locally known as dhundol.

A recent visit along the newly constructed Tipna-Shovna road in Dumuria revealed a picturesque ridge gourd field in Gonali village. The vibrant yellow blossoms, spread across lush green vines, captivated the eyes of passersby.

Md. Alam Sheikh, the owner of the land, has already begun harvesting ridge gourds. He shared that many pedestrians and garden lovers stop to admire the beauty of the flowers and fruits.

Farmers in Dumuria are reporting good returns from this early monsoon-season vegetable. Ridge gourd cultivation has expanded rapidly in several villages including Gonali, Tipna, Bhodrodia, Boratia, Shovna, Banda, and Perikhali-now key hubs for vegetable production.

Where ridge gourd once grew wild, it is now a vital commercial crop, improving livelihoods and creating employment. Many farmers now consider it a primary or supplemental income source.

Talking to BSS, Alam Sheikh said, "I regularly cultivate vegetables. Currently, I`m growing ridge gourd along with other crops. I rely mostly on organic and minimal chemical fertilizers and manage the fields myself. It meets my family`s needs and generates income from market sales."

He added, "A few years ago, I struggled to run my six-member family. But for the past two years, I`ve cultivated ridge gourd on 40 decimals (around 18 kathas) of land. I invest around Tk 15,000 to Tk 20,000 from the month of Chaitra to Srabon and harvest more than 3 maunds of ridge gourd."

Harvesting typically begins in mid-Asar. "I sold the early harvest at Tk 30 per kg," he said. "Besides ridge gourd, I also cultivate bitter gourd, beans, cucumber, and more-earning Tk 2.5 to Tk 3 lakh per year."

He, however, noted challenges: "I couldn`t cultivate another 60 decimals due to flooding. Heavy rain submerged my land." He acknowledged support from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) during difficult times.

Farmer Faruk Sarder from Tipna village shared a similar success story. "I used to grow ridge gourd on a small scale. Now I farm it commercially. I earn Tk 5 to 6 lakh each season from my three bighas of land."

According to the Khulna Agriculture Department, while ridge gourd has long been grown in the district, large-scale commercial farming began only in recent years. This year has seen a significant increase in both cultivation and yield, thanks to low production costs, high demand, and quick returns.

A field visit showed busy farmers tending their plots -- harvesting gourds, weeding, or applying pesticides under expert guidance. Harvest usually begins 50 to 55 days after sowing and continues for 3 to 3.5 months. Early harvests fetched prices of Tk 40-45 per kg, now ranging from Tk 25-30 per kg.

One bigha (about 33 decimals) can yield approximately 50 maunds (around 2,000 kg) of ridge gourd. With production costs between Tk 20,000 and Tk 25,000, farmers can earn Tk 80,000 to 1 lakh per bigha-far more profitable than many other crops.

Farmers like Saiful Islam and Ayub Ali confirmed that ridge gourd is a low-maintenance crop with few pests. Early-season water shortages are managed with the help of the local agricultural extension office.

Compared to last year, cultivation has expanded and yields are up, offering higher profits. Previously uncultivated lands are now being utilized, boosting rural incomes.

Nurun Nahar, Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer of Tipna, noted that nearly every household in the area is involved in vegetable farming. "Ridge gourd farming has transformed lives," she said.

Md. Insad Ibne Amin, Agriculture Officer of Dumuria Upazila, added, "Vegetables from Dumuria meet demand in Khulna city and beyond. Ridge gourd is nutrient-rich, profitable for farmers, and healthy for consumers. We are promoting its cultivation with necessary technical support."

Md. Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of DAE (Khulna Region), stated that vegetables are being cultivated on 20,569 hectares across the region, with a production target of over 4 lakh tonnes. However, recent heavy rains have caused losses-1,917.75 hectares of land have been inundated, damaging crops worth nearly Tk 99.95 crore over the last two weeks of July.