Photo : BSS

By Rezaul Karim Manik

RANGPUR, April 29, 2026 (BSS) - Grape cultivation, once considered impractical in Bangladesh's climate, is now reshaping the rural economy in Pirganj upazila of the district.

Thanks to the initiative of local farmers, grape orchards are rapidly expanding, turning a former agricultural experiment into a promising commercial venture.

Field visits reveal that grape farming began on a small experimental scale in villages such as Bhendabari, Khezmatpur, Ramnathpur, and Milanpur. Over time, these early efforts have evolved into commercially viable operations, attracting growing interest among farmers.

One of the pioneers, farmer Tahidul Islam, started cultivating grapes several years ago using knowledge gained from YouTube and guidance from the Department of Agricultural Extension. Despite initial skepticism and challenges, his perseverance has paid off.

"People used to laugh at first," Tahidul said. "Now they are inspired after seeing my success. It proves that grape cultivation is possible here."

His orchard now produces multiple local and foreign grape varieties, which are selling well in local markets at competitive prices.

Inspired by such success, many farmers in the region are shifting toward grape farming. Farmer Masud Talukder reported strong yields and rising demand, saying that the fruit's sweetness and freshness make it popular among consumers. 

He believes that with proper planning, grape cultivation could even open doors to export markets in the future.

Local grapes have already gained popularity due to their affordability compared to imported varieties. Farmers claim that grape cultivation can generate significantly higher profits than traditional crops like rice.

However, challenges remain. Excessive rainfall, plant diseases, limited access to quality seedlings, and lack of advanced technical knowledge pose risks to sustained growth. Farmers are calling for increased support from both government and private sectors to address these issues.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Sumon Ahmed emphasized the crop's potential, stating that grapes are a high-value fruit with strong prospects in the region. "We are encouraging farmers to adopt new crops like grapes. Training and technical support are being provided to help them succeed," he said.

Officials believe that large-scale commercial expansion of grape farming could significantly boost farmers' incomes and contribute positively to the local economy.

As grape orchards continue to spread across Pirganj, what was once a distant idea is now becoming a symbol of agricultural innovation and economic transformation.