ABUCAY, Bataan, May 14 (PNA) — The only grape farm and considered as the first successful venture in grape production in the province has started harvesting first week of this month.

The 3,000-square meter farm is located about 300 meters from the Roman Superhighway in barangay Laon in this town.

It is planted to Brazilian hi-breed variety, cuttings coming from La Union.

"We first thought the grape cannot be successfully grown here due to hot climate. But, we tried and we found out that it can be," said 58-year old farm owner Leonie Alonzo.

Provincial agriculturist Imelda Inieto confirmed that Leonie’s grape farm is the only one in Bataan.

"This is the only one that succeeded in this venture. There are others that tried but nothing happened because they were not able to find good cuttings of grape," she said.

Inieto said that the thrust of the Department of Agriculture is for farmers to increase their productivity by planting high value crops like grapes.

Alonzo said that they started planting on February 10, 2013 and pruned the vines sometime last December.

In 120 days after pruning, the grapes were ready for harvest.

The portions pruned or the cuttings for planting are being sold at P75 each while the fruits are being disposed at P180 a kilo.

The farm owner said proper application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, spraying of pesticides to prevent white molds, use of organic soil with mixture of sand, sprinkling of enough water and close supervision are ingredients for grape production to be successful.

Alonzo said grape vines last for a century that once planted, it will only have to be pruned after every harvest to bear fruits again. (PNA)