चितवनमा दुई जातका अङ्गुरको परीक्षण
CHITWAN, October 13:
Ratnanagar Municipality in eastern Chitwan has initiated a trial for grape cultivation. The trial has begun with Sonaka Green and Sonaka Black grape varieties in Sisahani, Ratnanagar Municipality-9.
According to Prawin Lama, Chief of the municipality’s agriculture branch, the municipality has planted 400 grape saplings under its direct supervision. These varieties, suited for warm climates, were imported from India for testing. “If this trial succeeds, the municipality plans to encourage local farmers to take up commercial grape farming,” Lama stated.
He shared that the Sonaka Black variety is typically used for making raisins (kishmish), while the Sonaka Green variety is consumed as a fresh fruit. The municipality is conducting this trial under its own supervision with a budget of 500,000 rupees, alongside technical support and monitoring from JICA Nepal.
The saplings were planted last June and are expected to begin yielding fruit one year after planting. JICA has deployed a volunteer to regularly oversee the site and monitor the growth and development of the plants. While the current growth of the vines is promising, Lama noted that actual production outcomes remain to be seen in the coming days.
Ratnanagar Mayor Pralhad Sapkota stated that the municipality launched this pilot project to integrate agriculture with tourism. Sauraha, a prominent tourist hub, lies within Ratnanagar. The municipality plans to allow incoming tourists to tour the grape farms to connect them with local agriculture. If successful, the initiative will be expanded into an industrial-scale venture. Farming grapes is expected to be easier and more lucrative compared to traditional paddy cultivation.
RSS / Unified Nepal
