Commercial grape cultivation is emerging as a promising agricultural venture in Barind region of Rajshahi, where experimental farming has demonstrated impressive yields and strong market demand.
Agricultural experts believe the region’s red soil, coupled with abundant sunshine, provides favorable conditions for grape production when suitable varieties and proper cultivation practices are adopted.
This season, grapes were cultivated experimentally on 1 bigha and 2 kathas of land in Godagari Upazila, with the results exceeding expectations and encouraging local farmers to expand production.
Moniruzzaman Monir, a farmer from Ishwaripur village in Deopara Union, cultivated grapes on one bigha of land as a pilot project.
"I never imagined such a good yield from this arid soil. The market response has been excellent, giving me the confidence to cultivate grapes on a much larger scale next season," he said.
Another farmer, Sabbir Hossain of Alipur in Godagari municipality, successfully grew grapes on just 2 kathas of unused homestead land. His produce is currently selling at Tk 350 per kilogram, prompting him to plant grape saplings on an additional three bighas for commercial cultivation next year.
Godagari Upazila Agriculture Officer Mariam Ahmed said the initial success has confirmed the suitability of Barendra’s soil for grape farming.
"The encouraging results have opened new possibilities for commercial grape cultivation across the Barendra region. The Department of Agricultural Extension is providing technical guidance and support to interested farmers," she said.
A similar success story has emerged from Bagmara Upazila, where farmer Md. Borhan Uddin Babu turned a hobby inspired by YouTube videos into a thriving commercial vineyard after struggling to achieve satisfactory returns from conventional farming.
Starting with a small experimental plot using grape saplings collected from different parts of the country, Borhan gradually expanded his orchard as production improved.
Today, the vineyard spans nearly 1.75 bighas and contains 345 grape vines, with healthy clusters of grapes hanging beneath lush green foliage. The fruit has attracted praise from local residents for both its appearance and taste.
"Many people were initially skeptical about grape cultivation here," Borhan said. "Now that they have seen the harvest, many farmers are interested. Proper care and modern cultivation techniques have made this success possible."
The vineyard has become a learning destination for local farmers eager to explore grape cultivation as a profitable alternative.
According to Imam Hasan Sagar, a director associated with the orchard, commercial marketing of the grapes is expected to begin next year. The orchard aims to produce around 7,200 kilograms of grapes this season, with an estimated market value of approximately Tk 2.1 million (21 lakh).
Agricultural experts say the success of these pilot projects demonstrates that, with modern farming techniques and adequate technical support, grapes and other high-value foreign fruits can be cultivated successfully in Rajshahi’s climate, creating new opportunities for agricultural diversification and higher farm incomes across the Barendra region.