Commercial grape farming shows great promise

Commercial cultivation of sweet grapes is gaining popularity among farmers in Paba and the broader Barind region of Rajshahi. 

As weather is favourable in the area, farmers are transitioning to commercial farming from hobby gardening. Moreover, usage of modern technology has increased yields. 

After strawberries, malta, and dragon fruit, grapes are now being grown commercially in the district. Farmers in Bagmara, Durgapur, Godagari, and Paba upazilas are turning to grape farming.

Young farmers are showing the most interest in this popular fruit. The sweet taste of grapes grown in Rajshahi's climate is driving the expansion of these orchards. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is assisting farmers to minimize losses and achieve commercial success.

On Saturday, a visit to a field in Basantapur village under Paba upazila revealed rows of concrete pillars supporting lush green grapevines. 

Two young men, Mahbub and Samrat from the Baya area, developed the orchard. Samrat said they planted grapes on four bighas in Basantapur and one bigha in Baya. Their orchard features foreign varieties, including Baikunur, Apollo, Dasuniya, and Australian King.

Samrat mentioned that although they lack formal academic training, they visited grape orchards in Rajshahi, Comilla, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, and Natore. Inspired by those visits, they decided to become entrepreneurs.

He noted that high initial costs deter many interested individuals. Preparing the land and setting up infrastructure costs Tk 4.5 lakh to Tk 5 lakh per bigha before the vines yield fruit. While vines produce fruit early, early blooms are pruned to allow healthy plant growth.

They have planted 2,050 saplings in their orchard so far. With proper care and disease prevention, grapevines can yield fruit for up to 30 years. A farmer from a nearby upazila, requesting anonymity, harvested around 7,000 kg of grapes from 360 vines this season, earning Tk 20 lakh.

Around 30 to 32 farmers across three upazilas are currently cultivating grapes on four hectares of land. Their success is inspiring others, attracting daily visitors and prospective growers.

Dulal, a prospective grower visiting the orchard, said, "I came to check if our soil is suitable. I plan to plant two or three saplings on a trial basis. If successful, I will start commercial cultivation."

Earlier attempts at grape farming in Rajshahi yielded poor results. However, climate shifts and the use of polyshed houses have significantly improved success rates.

DAE officials noted that the soil in Paba and the Barind region has proven highly suitable for experimental grape farming, opening new possibilities for commercial agriculture. 

Agriculture officers continue to offer technical guidance to interested farmers.

-RHF/SA