Kathmandu. Bhirkot Municipality of Syangja has started watermelon farming as a test in Andhikhola coastal area.  Mayor Govinda Kumar Karmacharya said that in collaboration with Heifer International, the aim of commercial watermelon farming has been taken after studying the feasibility of watermelon cultivation through the Bhirkot Agriculture and Livestock Development Project.

He said that since the climate and soil here are suitable for watermelon cultivation, seeds, harvesting, equipment and technical support were provided in the first phase to advance it commercially.

"Watermelon farming has probably been started for the first time in the district," he said, "In the first phase, the farmers here have planted it as a test. As soon as it is good, we will emphasize on large-scale commercial production."

He said that the farmers can sell the watermelon produced here and if not, the municipality will take over. Watermelon cultivation has been started for the first time in Bhirkot Khelmaidan Complex, Ward No. 4, Pakan of Ward No. 5, Akuwar Phant of Ward No. 6 and 20 plants in the area of ​​Andhikhola river bank of Bhirkot Municipality-1. This time 18 farmers have planted watermelons.