A young entrepreneur in Juri upazila of Moulvibazar is transforming curiosity into profit by growing a yellow-fleshed watermelon variety.

Khorshed Alam, an environmentalist and journalist from Domabari village under Goalbari Union, first developed an interest in the fruit after watching YouTube videos. What began as a small experimental effort in 2022 has since grown into a promising agricultural venture, attracting farmers and visitors alike.

Khorshed is considered the first in Juri to cultivate yellow watermelon. Since his initial success, he has continued growing the fruit annually, creating both interest and demand in the locality.

Locals say the fruit's distinct appearance, pleasant aroma, and sweet taste have made it popular among consumers.

Khorshed collected seeds of the "Lanfai" variety and cultivated on 33 decimals of land in November last year with support from the Department of Agricultural Extension under the Sylhet Region Agricultural Development Project.

The yield has been encouraging, he says, prompting plans to expand cultivation to around three bighas next season.

"I spent nearly Tk 3 lakh on the cultivation and expect sales worth Tk 5 to 6 lakh," Khorshed told this correspondent. "The land used to remain fallow after paddy harvest. Now it is productive."

The success has not gone unnoticed. Visitors from different parts of Sylhet and beyond have been flocking to his field, many seeing and tasting yellow watermelon for the first time. Some have already expressed interest in cultivating the crop themselves.

During a recent visit, Kulaura Press Club President Md Moshabbir Ali praised Khorshed's initiative.

"We saw the yellow watermelon on social media and couldn't resist visiting," he said. "This kind of innovation by young entrepreneurs is inspiring. It can motivate others to make better use of unused land."

Khorshed said, "Thousands of bighas of land remain unused here. Educated but unemployed youth can benefit by taking up this kind of farming."

Yellow watermelon is a winter crop that yields within three months, making it a viable option for seasonal farming. The region's soil and climate are also favourable for its cultivation, he added.

Juri Upazila Agriculture Officer Mahmudul Alam confirmed the growing interest.

"The Lanfai variety has created quite a buzz. Farmers and visitors are coming every day to see it. We are ready to support anyone interested in this cultivation," he said.

He added that yellow watermelon is a high-value crop rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, making it both nutritious and commercially attractive.

Jasim Mia, a resident of the area, said, "Before this, we only knew red watermelon. Seeing yellow watermelon in our own village feels surprising and exciting. Many of us came just out of curiosity, but after tasting it, we understand why it's becoming popular."

"We feel proud that such an initiative has come from our area. Khorshed has shown that even unused land can be turned into something valuable. This is encouraging for our young generation," he added.

Local farmer Sahidul Islam said, "We usually leave our land fallow after harvesting paddy. Now we are thinking—if he can do it, why can't we? This could change how we use our land."