Adoption of watermelon and its impact on farm income in the coastal polders of southern Bangladesh

The main livelihood of the community of the coastal region of Bangladesh depends on wet season rice. However, recently there has been a push to encourage farmers to diversify their crops. Many farmers started to grow watermelon in the dry season as they perceive it to be more profitable than other crops. This study, conducted in two polders in southwest Bangladesh, aims to explore the factors influencing farmers' decisions to adopt watermelon cultivation and its impact on farm income. Data were collected from 310 households randomly selected from the head, middle and tail sections of the polders using a survey questionnaire. A mixed-method approach was used, combining a fractional regression model to determine the effect of independent variables on the adoption intensity of watermelon and the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method to examine the impact of watermelon cultivation on farmers' income. The results revealed several significant factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt watermelon cultivation. These factors include experience in watermelon farming, land ownership, access to irrigation and information, market distance, and marketing costs. The results also indicated a positive correlation between watermelon adoption and increased income. The probability of engaging in watermelon farming is influenced by market demand, price stability, productivity and production cost. To promote wider adoption of watermelon in the polder zone, the study suggests policy interventions such as improving access to information, providing training on improved cultivation techniques, and establishing market linkages to enhance income generation opportunities for farmers. Additionally, farmers need access to information on pest and disease management, as well as support in marketing, to mitigate the risks associated with watermelon cultivation. Integrated efforts involving agricultural extension services, research institutions, and farmers' associations can facilitate knowledge sharing and contribute to the economic sustainability of watermelon farming, ultimately improving the livelihoods of farmers in the coastal zone of Bangladesh.