Potohar starts reaping rich harvests

Horticulture dept in-charge says seven to eight types of grapes are grown in Pakistan

MULTAN/ LAHORE: The Punjab Agriculture Department has successfully reaped 50 different kinds of grapes in the Potohar region. The step is of significant value as Pakistan can finally be independent as far as growing grapes is concerned and will be able to export high-quality fruit to other countries.

Barani Agricultural Research Institute in Chakwal has been conducting research on fields, fruits and vegetables, but now various kinds of grapes have also been added to the list of experiments. The Potohar area is growing grapes of sublime quality which is not far behind in Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha and Faisalabad.



While speaking to Express News, Horticulture Department In-charge Muhammad Aqeel Feroze said that he has collected the finest quality grapes from all over the world and sowed plants the best 50 in Pakistan. He said, at present, there are seven to eight types of grapes being grown in Pakistan. “I am working hard to grow the maximum number of grapes at the institute,” he mentioned.

He maintained the Cholistan region is considered the best for growing grapes. Feroze said the growth of grapes depends on its type. “Usually, 600 tonnes of grapes could be grown on one-acre land in one year. The duration of grape orchards have an average age of 30 to 35 years, while it takes two to three years to grow grapes,” he said.



The horticulture department in-charge said that one branch usually bears 20 kilogrammes of grapes.

“We are also growing grapes without planting seeds, which can earn up to one million rupees to two million rupees per acre annually. It only takes around Rs150,000 to Rs200,000 to plant grapes on one acre of land,” he elaborated.

Aqeel Feroze said temperature and climate directly affects the quality and taste of the grapes. “The warmer the temperature, the sweeter the grapes will be,” he remarked.

He said various kinds of grape seeds such as Anab Shahi, White Seedless, Regina, King’s Ruby, Flame Seedless and Thomson Seedless plants were easily available throughout Pakistan. “The shelf life of King’s Ruby is the longest. It is bigger in size and tasty as well. Hence, it has more market value,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Jabbar, who looks after grape orchards at Barani Agricultural Research Institute, told Express News that when the fruit starts growing, he ensures that the branches do not touch the ground as they can get damaged.

“Similarly, bunches of grapes are also taken care of.

If even one grape is rotten, it must be separated from the rest, immediately, so it does not rot the entire bunch,” he added.

Abdul Jabbar said that birds and snakes attack the fruit when it is ready to be reaped. “In order to avoid such attacks, a net is thrown over the bunch of grapes to provide a protective cover,” he mentioned.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2018.