Viticulture

Viticulture, a branch of horticulture is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. The history of
viticulture dates some 7000 BC back, gaining popularity during Roman era and commercially
spreading as a promising material for wine industries in medieval period. Viticulture is one of the
promising branches of horticulture which has gained massive attention and importance because
of its contribution to wine factories and of course in culinary industries. However in Nepal, no
such particular history regarding viticulture is accounted but this sector is gaining much
popularity in recent time.
Nepal shows a potential scope for grape cultivation. Although it is not much popular but there
are much more possibilities for grape cultivation in our country. Vineyard suitability are based
on topographic, soil and climate variables which includes elevation, slope, soil texture, soil PH,
soil drainage, daily maximum and minimum temperatures, precipitation, extreme winter
temperature and growing degree day ( T.D. Acharya and I.T. Yang,2015 ). Grape cultivation
practices include well drained loam and sandy loam soil having a depth of 1m. The grape vines
are usually planted in pits whose size depends upon the spacing of pits and the varieties. The
depth may vary from 60-90 cm as per the soil. The best timing for planting is February to march.
Various methods for propagation hard wood cutting, soft wood cutting, propagation by seed,
layering, grafting and budding can be practiced. Further it requires sparse irrigation during
winter time and frequent watering during summer. With the advancement of stages the amount
of water requirement also increases. The manures should be applied twice after pruning with half
dose of potash immediately after pruning and remaining half after 60 days of pruning. Foliar
spray of 0.1 % boric acid + 0.2% zincsulphate + 1% urea should be used to overcome nutrient
deficiency. Along with this, management of vine yards through selection of proper rootstocks
and its management, training, grafting, pruning, shoot thinning, training, etc are of prime
importance for a successful vineyard establishment. In relation to the suitability for grape
cultivation, Nepal presents an amenable platform for it. According to a research under vineyard
suitability analysis of Nepal, around 6.6 % middle hilly areas are suitable for vine growing. A
data showing the suitability figure presents that about 9669 sq.km (6.60%) is marked as very
suitable, around 111459 sq.km (76.12%) is categorised as unfavourable and almost 25302 sq.km
(17.28%) is divided as restricted area for vineyard establishment ( Vineyard Suitability Analysis
of Nepal, 2015).
Though a small portion of the total land favors its cultivation, an efficient and well managed
cultivation practice can certainly pace up its overall production.
Viticulture mostly concerned with the production of wine, but the benefits of grapes over health
is another factor drawing much concerned for adoption of this business. The unique texture and
sweet tart flavor of the berries has contributed for its popularity and demand. Grape has multiple
health benefits and helps in reducing the risks of various conditions of heart, diabetes, cancer and
obesity. It is constantly used in curing asthma, migraines, strengthening bones, and reducing the
chances of heart attacks. It is used to eliminate constipation, cure indigestion and irritation of
digestive system. It even helps to prevent cavities and fatigue and it is used for reducing the
stress and pressure in the kidneys, lowering the cholesterol levels in blood. It has strong
antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is good for eye health, acne control and for other
conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, osteoarthritis and boosting the immune system.
With such benefits and economic potentialities this field is yet to gain pace for development.
Wine industries have found some gear up in recent years which put forth the probabilities for its
rapid expansion and further researches. Nepalese wine has been renowned worldwide but the
local blocks for quality and explicit wine production is yet to be developed. Further grapes not
only confines with wine, the juice and raisins have equal importance in Nepalese culture and in
health. The promising varieties of grape in Nepal are Anab-e-sahi, pusa seedless, Thompson
seedless, etc. Attack of various pests like nematodes, flea beetle, thrips, mealy bug, stem girdler
and diseases like powdery mildew, anthracnose and downy mildew can be a fall back for its
successful establishment. However, good agricultural practices and preventive measures for the
concerned pest and diseases can be a helpful remedy. Viticulture can be an alternative and a
promising farming for the farmers as the quantitative and qualitative growth in demand of wine
shows a very promising scope. The land and the climate both favor its cultivation and expansion.
Although due to lack of detailed scientific information and researches regarding the spatial
distribution of its cultivation, its potentiality is yet to be explored and experienced. Therefore,
importance of this cultivation most be realized and boosted as with the vision of commercialising
agriculture, contribution of viticulture should not be overshadowed. Promotion and priotization
of this field is much needed as its the promising and improvized branch of agriculture with vast
scope and possibilities.