Udon Thani: Growing Israeli grapes has become a lucrative venture in Thailand, with model farmers generating up to 600,000 baht annually from their vineyards.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Udom Chatnok, known as Pee Noi, a 50-year-old vineyard owner, has garnered significant attention from fellow farmers keen to learn about grape cultivation. His journey into grape farming began after watching a program on modern Isan agriculture, aligning with his aspiration to become a farmer. Intrigued by the potential of grape farming, Pee Noi pursued extensive research, debunking the myth that grapes can only thrive in cold climates. He discovered that certain Israeli grape varieties, similar to Thailand's climate, could be successfully cultivated.
Pee Noi's vineyard, covering approximately 1 ngan, features seven grape varieties, including a notable Israeli variety. Initially planted in 2020, his vineyard has expanded to include 75 grape trees. The grapes are sold at varying prices, with the Black Opal variety fetching between 150-200 baht per kilogram and other varieties between 200-280 baht per kilogram. The vineyard's annual yield averages 15 kilograms per tree, translating to an income of around 225,000 baht, which can be doubled with two harvests per year.
The grape cultivation process is meticulous, with a focus on soil preparation, greenhouse construction, and the unique method of creating a "refrigerator" for the grapevines. This involves mixing soil with cow dung, earthworm dung, lime, and crab claw leaves to create a nutrient-rich environment. Pee Noi emphasizes the importance of maintaining cool roots to ensure the vines' survival and productivity in Thailand's climate.
Grape seedlings are available for purchase from Kru Yu Organic Grape Garden, with prices ranging from 200-300 baht per plant. The garden offers guidance on planting and care, recommending varieties such as S48, Baikanua, and Anuta for optimal results. Farmers interested in grape cultivation can seek advice and support from Pee Noi Inter or Kru Yu Organic Grape Garden through various contact channels, including Facebook.