Our Correspondent

RANGPUR, Dec 30: Grape cultivation is gradually gaining popularity in the northern region and the growers are earning handsomely by selling their products.

According to the agriculturists, the soil and climate of Dinajpur, Rangpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh are suitable for grape cultivation.

Presently, grapes are being cultivated only in a limited extent due to non-availability of required seeds and other facilities.

The local growers say that proper training and financial and technical assistances can pave the way for large-scale commercial production of grapes across the northern region.

Hasan, a grower said he had been cultivating grape in his homestead for several years and selling those at a good price.

Growers say much of the grapes produced in the areas belong to the moderate grade variety called 'Jatka'.

They also cultivate a number of high-grade varieties like Black Ruby, Cardinal, Pearl, Blue etc varieties.

These local grapes are comparatively sweeter in taste than the imported ones, they claimed.