Planting the seeds of a grape-growing community

GUA MUSANG: Azizul Rahman Hamzah has spent the past two years sharing something most gardeners would prefer to charge for – grape cuttings.

The 50-year-old cook has welcomed nearly 100 visitors to his home in Taman Wangsa Mewangi, giving away grape cuttings and saplings free of charge in the hope of encouraging more people to take up gardening.

Visitors are even invited to pick grapes straight from the vines growing in his yard, which stretch some 10m beyond the fence of his home.

Azizul said the idea came after he realised how expensive grape saplings can be.

“I bought a Tasmanian grape sapling measuring about 0.6m for RM90. Because of that, I decided to share my harvest with anyone interested in growing grapes but may not have the budget to purchase the saplings.

“I also share information about growing grapes on Facebook so more people are aware and can come to collect the fruit or cuttings according to their needs,” he told Bernama.

His interest in grape cultivation began during the pandemic, when gardening became a popular hobby for many Malaysians.

Inspired by successful grape growers in Rawang, Selangor, as well as Bachok and Machang in Kelantan, Azizul decided to try cultivating the fruit at home.

The results have convinced him that grapes can thrive in Gua Musang despite the common perception that they require cooler climates.

“Over the past two years, the grapevines have borne fruit throughout the year. The grapes take about two months to ripen, and I can harvest up to 20kg per season.

“Many people think grapes can only be grown in cool or highland areas, but the climate in this part of Kelantan is also suitable for this crop,” he said.

According to Azizul, grapevines are relatively easy to maintain with adequate sunlight, water, regular pruning and basic fertilisation.

Beyond growing fruit, however, he hopes to cultivate something larger: a community of grape growers.

“I don’t mind sharing my blessings with the community. I hope more people will come to get the cuttings so that we can grow grapes together and create an attractive landscape in Gua Musang,” he said.