Young Farmer Impresses locales with backyard grape Farming in Hili
Photo: Agamir Somoy
A young man in Hili, under Hakimpur upazila of Dinajpur, has drawn widespread attention after successfully growing grapes in his backyard for the first time in the area.
Clusters of ripe grapes now hang from vines in the yard of Palash Hossain, attracting visitors from nearby communities who come daily to see the unusual cultivation. Many are also seeking his advice on how to grow grapes themselves.
Palash, a resident of Chandipur village in Hakimpur municipality, said he was inspired after watching grape cultivation videos on YouTube. He later purchased two grape saplings from a nursery and planted them in his backyard.
With regular care and maintenance, the vines began bearing fruit within just nine months. He trained the vines over a trellis built between two tin-roofed structures, where bunches of round, ripe grapes now hang in abundance.
Palash said his family initially discouraged the idea, but their attitude changed after the vines started producing fruit.
He harvested around 13 kilograms of grapes during his first season and sold part of the crop at Tk 200 per kilogram. This year, the vines have produced an even larger yield, and he expects to harvest about 20 kilograms during the current season.
Encouraged by the success, he now plans to expand grape cultivation on a commercial scale.
Local residents said they had never seen grapes cultivated in a household yard in Hili before. As a result, many people have been visiting Palash's home to see the vines and learn about grape farming, with growing interest among local farmers in trying the crop themselves.
Hakimpur Upazila Agriculture Officer Arzina Begum said Palash's success demonstrates that grapes can be cultivated in Bangladesh's climate and soil.
"The Department of Agricultural Extension is providing him with the necessary technical guidance and support. We will also assist other farmers who are interested in grape cultivation," she said.
According to local residents, the young farmer's initiative represents more than a personal achievement—it also highlights the potential for expanding alternative fruit cultivation in northern Bangladesh.
