Photo Courtesy: nenews
Agartala: The Tripura government is scaling up its grape cultivation efforts by launching trials for 18 new grape varieties. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the plan, which aims to turn the crop into a sustainable commercial activity through scientific research and improved technical support for local farmers.
During a visit to a vineyard in Unakoti district, the minister reviewed progress on sweet grape varieties currently growing under local conditions. He also distributed power-operated machinery to help boost farm productivity. Scientists at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Unakoti have already developed four grape varieties, two of which are specifically designed for wine production.
The state faces hurdles like heavy rainfall, high humidity, and a need for better technical expertise. To combat these issues, researchers are implementing advanced nutrient management and growth regulators to improve fruit sweetness and yield. As part of this push, officials introduced six new varieties from the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes late last year.
The government intends to establish grape-growing clusters across the state. This roadmap includes extensive training for farmers, improved post-harvest handling, and the creation of small-scale processing units for grape juice and beverages. By combining research with better access to agricultural inputs, the state hopes to build a more competitive and profitable sector for local producers.
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