Unemployed Engineer Finds Success Cultivating Exotic Grapes in Rural Bangladesh
Photo Collected
A 25-year-old diploma engineer in Gaibandha has successfully pivoted from a fruitless job hunt to a thriving agricultural enterprise by pioneering the commercial cultivation of foreign grape varieties. Jewel Mia, a resident of Jugibari village in the Sadullapur sub-district, turned to the internet to learn viticulture after failing to secure employment following his civil engineering degree from the Palashbari Polytechnic Institute.
Jewel began his journey in late 2022 by planting grapes on a five-decimal plot of his family’s land. While his initial crops yielded somewhat tart fruit, he refined his expertise by sourcing high-quality, sweet-tasting saplings from a grower in Kurigram. By employing grafting techniques to expand his nursery, he has scaled his operation to cover 25 decimals, now featuring approximately 110 vines across 36 distinct foreign varieties, including varieties such as Crimson Seedless, Green Long, and Red Globe.
The success of “Jewel Nursery,” located along a roadside in the Idilpur Union, has transformed his financial outlook. Jewel now earns an average of 30,000 taka per month through the sale of both grapes and saplings. With fruit retailing at 300 to 400 taka per kilogram, he has managed to turn a profit despite an initial investment of approximately 200,000 taka. Visitors, including local students and community members, frequently visit the orchard to sample the produce and purchase saplings, which range in price from 200 to 400 taka depending on size.
Despite his success, Jewel acknowledges the challenges posed by Bangladesh’s climate. Excessive rainfall during the ripening phase has caused some crop spoilage, leading him to advocate for the adoption of more advanced agricultural technologies. He suggests that by utilizing protective netting and plastic covering—methods commonly seen in international viticulture—local farmers could improve yields and eventually reach a level of production suitable for international export.
Local agricultural officials have recognized Jewel’s efforts, with the Idilpur Union’s deputy assistant agriculture officer, Liton Mia, confirming that the department provides regular consultations to support the grower’s progress. Supported by his wife, Mahfuza Khatun, and his family, Jewel’s transition from an unemployed graduate to an agricultural entrepreneur serves as a model for utilizing digital resources to overcome rural economic hurdles.
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