Farmer grafts 7 grape varieties onto single vine using cement sack paper

HARIR — A farmer in Erbil governorate’s Harir district has successfully cultivated seven different types of grapes on a single vine using an unusual multi-grafting technique and paper from cement sacks — a method he says improves protection and results.

Dler Fattawi, 37, from the village of Fattawa, said the approach stems from two decades of experimentation and skills passed down from his father. “This work started with my father, and after he passed away, I carried it on,” he told 964media. “From one regular black grapevine, I was able to graft and grow seven different grape varieties.”

Instead of using plastic, Fattawi wraps grafts with paper salvaged from cement sacks, commonly discarded after construction projects. “I’ve benefited a lot from that paper,” he said. “It protects the grafted area from cold and prevents damage to the vine. It’s been more effective than plastic, which is usually used to wrap grafts.”

He added, “As far as I know, I’m the first person to use this type of paper for grafting. Nobody I’ve seen has thought of this method before.”

Fattawi has also applied the technique to other fruit trees. In a video shared with 964media, he demonstrated a single vine supporting seven distinct grape types. The method, he said, allows for greater yield diversity without the need for additional space or plants.

Looking ahead, Fattawi said he plans to grow 40 different fruit varieties across five types of trees in his garden. “I’m just getting started,” he said. “The goal is to create a garden that’s both diverse and efficient.”