In the saline and waterlogged farmlands of coastal Khulna, where farmers often struggle to protect even traditional crops from erratic weather and rising soil salinity, grape cultivation is emerging as an unlikely success story.
Using geo bags and modern cultivation methods, a young farmer in Paikgachha upazila has successfully grown premium-quality grapes in conditions long considered unsuitable for such high-value fruits. The initiative is now drawing attention across the region and inspiring interest in modern commercial farming in Bangladesh’s coastal belt.
32 years old Taiyebur Rahman from Birashi village under Kapilmuni union, began the project experimentally with just two grape plants last year.
“After getting an unexpected yield, I planted 20 more saplings in geo bags about eight months ago,” Taiyebur Rahman told TIMES of Bangladesh. “Now each tree is producing grape clusters weighing one kilogram or more.”
The geo bag method played a major role in protecting the plants from saline soil while allowing easier irrigation, fertiliser application and soil management. Taiyebur also adopted a trellis cultivation system to ensure sufficient sunlight and airflow, helping increase production.
The farmer is currently cultivating 10 grape varieties, including Baikonur, Purple, Green Long, Eklo and Super Nova. According to farmers in the area, the grapes are sweeter and larger than many local varieties and closely resemble imported grapes in quality and size.
The high-yielding grape clusters weigh around one kilogram, similar to imported varieties. Farmers said the grapes are currently selling at Tk300-Tk400 per kilogram, around Tk50-Tk100 lower than imported grapes but Tk50-Tk100 higher than local varieties.
Taiyebur said his interest in agriculture encouraged him to experiment with grapes after learning cultivation techniques through YouTube and agricultural websites.
“At first, I doubted whether grapes could be grown in coastal areas,” he said. “But later I succeeded.”
According to him, around Tk25,000-Tk27,000 was spent last year on land rent, geo bags and labour costs. Since it was the first year, he allowed local residents to taste the grapes instead of selling them commercially. He plans to market the fruit from the next season.
After completing his HSC, Taiyebur established “Tayeba Nursery” on one and a half bighas of land in his village. Alongside grape cultivation, he also grows paddy and seasonal crops.
Local residents said he had once struggled financially to support his family but is now regarded as a successful agricultural entrepreneur in the area.
Before grapes, Taiyebur had already earned recognition as the best farmer at the upazila level for squash cultivation. Encouraged by the latest success, he now plans commercial expansion and says he is ready to support other interested farmers with advice and guidance.
Taiyebur is not the only farmer experimenting with grapes in Paikgachha.
Touhidul Islam from Haridhali union has also successfully cultivated three grape varieties. His garden has similarly become a point of interest for local farmers interested in alternative farming methods.
Agriculture officials believe such initiatives could open new opportunities for climate-resilient and high-value farming in coastal Bangladesh.
Paikgachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Ekramul Hossain described grape farming in the coastal region as a promising and innovative venture.
“Taiyebur Rahman and Touhidul Islam have changed the conventional idea through modern technology and proper management,” he told TIMES.
He said the Department of Agricultural Extension is providing technical assistance to such farmers and plans to encourage more people to adopt similar initiatives in the future.
