Emerges as Kashmir’s ‘Grape Village’
Ganderbal, Aug 11: Repora village in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district has emerged as a prominent grape-growing hub, with the traditional crop supporting the livelihoods of a large section of the local population.
Located in the Lar area, Repora is popularly known as the ‘Grape Village’ and is renowned for producing varieties including Sahibi, Hussaini and Thomson. The village witnesses a significant influx of visitors during the harvesting season, with people arriving to see the vineyards and purchase fresh grapes.
Ganderbal is among Jammu and Kashmir’s leading grape-producing districts, with around 206 hectares under grape cultivation and an estimated annual production of nearly 1,500 metric tonnes, according to official figures. The produce is supplied to local markets as well as markets outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Repora alone has around 80–90 hectares under grape cultivation, according to growers, making it one of the key grape-producing areas of the district. Farmers said the crop has become an important source of livelihood, with a large majority of households in the village associated with grape cultivation.
The harvesting season generally begins in August and continues through September, providing seasonal employment and income opportunities to hundreds of people, particularly during the peak harvesting period.
Farmers and horticulture experts said the timing of Repora’s grape crop gives it a distinct market advantage, as the grapes become ready for harvesting at a period when fresh grapes are relatively scarce in several international markets.
Experts also highlighted the size and quality of the grapes produced in the area. While a berry size of around 4–5 grams is generally considered a benchmark for premium-quality grapes, some Repora grapes reportedly reach around 12.5 grams.
Among the varieties cultivated, Sahibi and Hussaini are particularly popular and fetch good prices in the market.
The tradition of grape cultivation in Repora, according to local growers, dates back to the period of Maharaja Hari Singh.
M Muzaffar Khan, a local grower, told KNO: “Maharaja Hari Singh used to grow grapes on his land in Repora, which is now with the Horticulture Department. Hundreds of kanals of land are utilised for cultivating different varieties of grapes, including Sahibi, Hussaini, Thomson and others.”
Khan said that grape cultivation has become a major contributor to the local economy. “Almost every household in the village is involved in grape cultivation. It is the major contributor to the livelihood of people here and helps hundreds of families earn their livelihood,” he added.
Jahangir Ahmad Khan, another farmer, said the Horticulture Department is considering the establishment of small-scale grape processing units to add value to the crop, strengthen the local economy and generate employment opportunities.
Growers said production has remained encouraging this season, attributing the improvement to favourable climatic conditions and technical guidance provided by the Horticulture Department.
They, however, urged the government to strengthen marketing and transportation facilities for grapes so that the produce can reach markets outside Jammu and Kashmir more efficiently.
“Just as support is provided for marketing other horticultural crops, our grapes should also be taken outside J&K through proper marketing channels. At present, growers often have to sell the produce themselves,” the growers said.
Repora has also acquired a cultural and spiritual significance among locals, who attribute the flourishing of grape cultivation in the area to the blessings of Sufi saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA), who they believe lived in the area.
“This golden blessing, planted by saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar, is a priceless gem,” said Abdul Rahman, a local resident, while harvesting grapes from a vineyard.
A Horticulture Department official told KNO that production has been better compared to the previous year and assured growers of continued technical assistance. “As compared to last year, the production has been very good, and we provide any technical support needed from our side,” he said.
The department has undertaken several initiatives to promote scientific grape cultivation and improve productivity in the area, the official said.
“A grape orchard has been developed by the department on government land, while a hi-tech facility spread over around 20 kanals has also been established, featuring mother blocks and a modern bower system aimed at promoting improved cultivation practices and quality planting material,” he said—(KNO)
