Farmer Zaman Mia of Rajarhat in Kurigram has taken to growing watermelon under polytunnels to cope with the effects of a changing climate.

The melons are small, oval and elongated, with a dark rind and deep red flesh. Reaching the market out of season, they fetch a good price.

Waterlogging, excessive heat and heavier disease pressure have brought losses to the district's farmers year after year.

Using climate adaptation methods, growers in the district are now succeeding with off-season and year-round watermelon.

They raise the crop in a controlled environment with polytunnels, mulching, trellises, pheromone traps, yellow traps and poison baits.

Because the same plot can carry more than one melon or vegetable crop in a year, farm income is rising.

The polytunnel cover keeps unseasonal rain and dew from rotting the fruit, and pheromone traps cut fruit-fly damage; both reduce pesticide spending.

Source: Protidiner Bangladesh