Kelantan Grape Farmer Finds Success Despite Hot Malaysian Climate
"The notion that grapes grown in tropical climates are somewhat sour is untrue," he said.
By May Vin Ang — 10 Oct 2024, 03:40 PM
A grape farmer from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, has demonstrated that grapes can grow and bear abundant fruit in Malaysia, challenging the widespread belief that these plants cannot thrive in a tropical climate
Wan Yusoff Abdul Rahman, who owns a 4,000sqm orchard in Kampung Belukar, has planted over 100 grape vines that currently yield over 30kg of grapes per harvest, with each bunch weighing between 500g and 700g.
The 40-year-old said, with the right cultivation methods and expertise, the grape vines can bear fruit throughout the year, and even up to four times annually.
"The notion that grapes grown in tropical climates are somewhat sour is untrue, as the grapes from my orchard are very sweet and almost on par with those produced in foreign countries," he told Bernama in a recent interview.
"I am determined to prove to the public that my grape plants can thrive in Malaysia's hot climate; in fact, these plants have been flourishing and producing well since 2019," he said.
The former graphic artist, who started the orchard as just an experiment a few years ago, shared that there are about 47 grape varieties that are resilient enough for cultivation in this country
The varieties he has planted in his orchard, which are all currently bearing fruit, include Dubovsky Pink, Julian, Baikonur, Beauty Krasotka, and Gozv, all of which originate from Ukraine and the United States.
"In addition, I have also attempted to grow the Tanaki and Shine Muscat grape varieties, which originate from Japan, and are now successfully producing fruit that are waiting to ripen," he said.
He added that more locals have become interested in planting grapes after witnessing his success.
Wan Yusoff and his family members looking at the grape vines he successfully cultivated around their house in Kampung Belukar.
Image via Bernama/Malay MailWan Yusoff has expressed his interest in expanding his orchard into an agrotourism centre, and is looking forward to inviting people to visit
"I am confident that within a year, the grape vines in my orchard will have grown larger, and when people visit, they can eat and drink under the vines with grapes hanging overhead.
"For now, most visitors who come usually buy grapes and seedlings, which I sell along with fertiliser," he said.
