Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 8, 2026 (BSS) - Defying salinity, water logging and adverse weather conditions in the coastal belt, an enterprising farmer in Paikgachha upazila of Khulna has achieved remarkable success in grape cultivation, creating a new possibility for modern agriculture in the region.

Tayebur Rahman, 32, a resident of Birashi village under Kapilmuni Union in the upazila, has drawn widespread attention by cultivating grapes using geo bags on a small piece of land, an initiative considered exceptional for the country's coastal areas.

Using only about three decimals of land, Tayebur has adopted modern technology-based farming methods and demonstrated that profitable cultivation is possible even in challenging environments.

Talking to BSS, the young farmer [Tayebur] said that he initially planted only two grape vines experimentally last year. Encouraged by better-than-expected production, he expanded the project and planted 20 more grape plants in geo bags around eight months ago.

At present, each plant is bearing bunches of grapes weighing around one kilogram or more, attracting the curiosity and admiration of local residents and farmers.

The use of geo bags has enabled him to manage roots effectively and ensure proper soil, fertilizer and water management, reducing the harmful impacts of saline soil.
 
In addition, the vines are being grown using the trellis method, allowing adequate sunlight and airflow, which has significantly improved plant growth and fruit production.

Tayebur said his interest in agriculture inspired him to try something new.

"I gathered knowledge about grape cultivation from YouTube and various agriculture-based websites before starting the project experimentally," he said.

"At first, I was uncertain whether grapes could be cultivated successfully in a coastal area. But I found that if proper methods are followed, good production is possible," he added.

He had earlier received recognition as the best farmer at the upazila level for squash cultivation and now plans to expand grape farming commercially following his success, he explained."If anyone is interested in grape cultivation, I am ready to provide advice and support," Tayebur said, expressing hope that the spread of such farming practices could create new income opportunities for local farmers.

"I have spent around Taka 25 to 27 thousands including three decimal land rent, locally known as Harir Taka, GEO bags, labour coast and others last year," he said.

Huge grapes were produced in the tree. Villagers and curious people came to my orchard and tasted juicy grapes, he said, adding that I would not sell grapes this year as it's my first initiative but I already have taken initiative to be produced on a commercial basis from the next season.

Tayebur, passed HSC a few years back and started a nursery business in the one and half bighas of lands in his only daughter name "Tayeba Nursery", in his village Birashi. He also cultivates paddy and seasonal crops side by side with his nursery business.

Tayebur ran his five members' family with very hardship some four years back, now he is running his family smoothly and become a popular grape farmer in the upazila. 

Meanwhile, another farmer from Haridhali Union of the upazila, Towhidul Islam, has also achieved success in cultivating three different varieties of grapes.
 
His vineyard is also attracting local farmers interested in adopting similar cultivation methods.

Talking to BSS, Paikgachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Ekramul Hossain described grape cultivation in the coastal region as a promising and innovative initiative.

"Usually, the soil and climate of this region are not considered suitable for grape farming. But Tayebur Rahman and Towhidul Islam have changed that perception through modern technology and proper management," he said.

The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) is providing necessary advice and technical support to such farmers and would encourage more growers to undertake similar initiatives in future, he added.

Local observers believe such innovative agricultural practices could open up new prospects for coastal farming, particularly in cultivating high-value crops using modern technology.

Experts also noted that at a time when climate change is posing serious threats to coastal agriculture, such initiatives could serve as an important direction for sustainable farming in Bangladesh's coastal belt.