Impact of Floods on Agriculture in Katihar
Every year, floods in rivers like Ganga and Kosi bring silt along with them, which reduces the water level in the rivers and causes the soil to emerge. Due to the silt, the soil becomes highly fertile, leading to bumper crops in areas like Kursela in Katihar district where farmers are cultivating seasonal fruits along with watermelon on a large scale. Cultivating watermelon as a cash crop on sandy soil has proven to be a boon for farmers, despite the hard work required in adverse conditions.
Challenges and Benefits of Watermelon Cultivation in Katihar
According to farmers in the Diara region of Ganga and Kosi in Katihar, the cost of cultivation for watermelon, including seeds, irrigation, and fertilizers, can range up to Rs. 30,000 per acre. However, during favourable weather conditions, savings of up to Rs. 60,000 per acre can be achieved. The wholesale rate for watermelons ranges from Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per kilogram for farmers, while they are sold in the market for Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 per kilogram, with excess supply leading traders to transport them to various cities in Nepal and across the country.
Supply Chain of Watermelon from Katihar to Nepal
Once the watermelons are ready for harvest and ripen, around 40 to 50 tractors are sent to the markets in Katihar for sale each day. Additionally, there is also a supply of watermelons from Katihar to other states like Nepal, West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan through local transporters, with Nepal and Bengal being the major destinations for watermelon supply. The market for watermelons can continue for up to a month, providing a lucrative opportunity for farmers and contributing to the health benefits of this fruit containing 92% water content.
कटिहार जिले के कुरसेला इलाके में गंगा और कोसी के दियारा में खेती करने वाले किसान तरबूज की खेती कर रहे हैं और इससे अच्छी मुनाफा कमा रहे हैं। मौसमी फलों की सैकड़ों एकड़ में खेती करने वाले किसान बाजार में अच्छा आवक प्राप्त कर रहे हैं और इसे नेपाल और अन्य शहरों तक भेजा जा रहा है। तरबूज का थौक रेट भी उन्हें अच्छा मुनाफा दिला रहा है। अच्छे मौसम और उपजाऊ भूमि के कारण इस इलाके के किसान तरबूज की खेती में सफल हैं।
