After apples & dragon fruits, Tripura farmers now producing grapes

Agartala: Responding to the call of chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb to start cultivation of a variety of fruits in the state, three farmers have tested success by cultivation of grapes in the state.

Two farmers — Hiran Debnath of Dhalai district and Lakuj Ali of Unakoti district — have successfully produced grapes for the first time in the state. Another person, Prasanta Singha from West district who planted a vine in his roof top, has also started harvesting grapes.

Speaking with reporters, Hiran Debnath, a farmer from Kulai village in Dhalai district said that he planted a vine around three years ago in his agricultural field.

“In the first two years, the cultivation of grapes was very less. This year the cultivation of the harvest was better than the past two years. I think the plant takes three years to produce viable grapes”, Hiran said.

He also said that a number of people are visiting his house to see the produced grapes and take his help to start the cultivation of grapes in their agricultural fields. The cultivation can be further increased with assistance from the government.

Also Read: How this Tripura farmer got success with dragon fruit plantation

“I will start commercial production if the horticulture department provides assistance and support next year. The cultivation of grapes can be more profitable than other fruits and vegetables”, Hiran added.

Another Lokuj Ali, resident of Dhalaikandi village in Kailashshar under Unakoti district, has also successfully harvested grapes from his plants this year.

“I was always curious about fruit and flower plantations, therefore two years back, I decided to plant saplings of grape in my agricultural field. This year the harvest was double in comparison to last year”, Ali said.

Becoming the first successful grape cultivator, Ali feels he was blessed with the successful production and it was the result of his two years of hard work and dedication towards fruit cultivation.

He also said that the soil of Tripura is suitable for grape cultivation and with support from the government, farmers can produce more grapes in the state.

Also Read: Tripura youths taste success with apple plantation amid lockdown

“The farmers will give more importance to grape cultivation if the horticulture department under Agriculture and Farmers Welfare steps in and supports farmers to adopt grape cultivation”, Ali added.

When contacted with an official from the horticulture department, he said that the department has reviewed the production by the farmers and it was found the production cost was low. “The fruits are good in shape and size with good taste”, the official added.

Prasanta Singha from Agartala has also produced grapes successfully in his roof top which was also shared by the chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb in his twitter account.