Bacterial and fungal infections have damaged and affected at least 9,100 ha of watermelons in Nokahlai's Subarnachar region. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, about 70% of all watermelon production in the region has been infected by bacteria and fungus. Last year, 4,300 ha of land was used for watermelon cultivation in Noakhali district; of which 4,200 ha were in Subarnachar, and earned about Tk12 billion (€125 million). This year, watermelon production in the district had grown to more than double as the Department of Agricultural Extension estimated trades up to Tk25 billion (€26 mln) from this fruit. As a result of the bacterial infection, local farmers are not to get expected yields and are on the verge of suffering a great financial loss. This has struck fear of bankruptcy among the local farmers. Due to sudden rain in the first week of March, most of the watermelon crop fields were waterlogged. The fields became a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial organisms, which then sprouted the roots of the watermelon plants and turned them yellow; a sign of infection. Scientific Officer of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Noakhali, Amir Faisal: "We have visited several of the affected crop fields. We have notified our seniors about the proceedings. We are trying find a way to put an end to this. Farmers are being advised accordingly." Source - https://www.freshplaza.com/