Kashmir’s grape village, Repora thrives with bumper harvest

Ganderbal, Aug 10: Nestled in the Lar area of Ganderbal district, the quaint village of Repora has become synonymous with high-quality grape cultivation.

Over 600 years ago, Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din Wali (RA) praised Repora in his verse: “Dachi Repora, Nazar Chay Chopoor,” meaning, “Repora grapes, your gaze extends everywhere.”

Today, this village stands as a testament to that prophecy, with its vineyards producing grapes that rival even those from Italy.

Repora has become a hallmark of grape production across J&K.

Almost every household in this picturesque hamlet is involved in grape cultivation, turning it into a lucrative cash crop.

Abdul Rehman Bhat, a progressive farmer from the area, says that about 90 percent of the population is engaged in this agricultural endeavour.

“Grapes are cultivated on approximately 160 hectares of land in Repora, providing a stable livelihood for hundreds of families,” Bhat said. This year, the grape harvest began earlier than usual due to warm weather conditions, with the season typically running from August to mid-October.

The village’s history with grape cultivation dates back to the time of Maharaja Hari Singh, who is said to have cultivated grapes on his land in Repora, now managed by the Horticulture Department. The village produces various grape varieties, including Sahibi, Husseini, and Thompson Seedless.

The size and quality of Repora’s grapes are noteworthy.

International standards consider a grape berry weighing 4-5 grams to be of high quality, but Repora grapes often weigh between 14-15 grams, exceeding these standards.

“A team of experts visited our village a few years ago and weighed one of our grapes at 15 grams, which is unparalleled globally,” Bhat says with pride.

The villagers attribute their success to the blessings of Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA), a saint believed to have blessed the area with fertile land.

“Our Sufi saints have blessed this place with extraordinary grapes. These are not only tastier but also require fewer pesticides. We have reduced pesticide use from seven sprays to three, and we aim to go completely organic in the future,” said Ghulam Muhammad, another local farmer.

Chief Horticulture Officer Ganderbal, Madan Lal Tak, emphasised Repora’s significance in grape production.

“Repora is an exemplary site for high-quality grape cultivation, which provides employment opportunities for the youth. We plan to further promote grape cultivation and introduce new varieties to enhance production and employment,” Tak told Greater Kashmir. He said that Ganderbal’s grape production has reached an impressive 2000 to 3000 metric tons annually, with an average yield of 8 to 12 tons per acre, depending on the variety and cultivation practices.

The majority of grapes produced in Ganderbal are sold as fresh table grapes, with varieties like Thompson Seedless and Kishmish being particularly popular in local and regional markets for their sweet flavour and seedless nature.

Horticulture remains a vital sector in J&K, contributing significantly to the region’s economy and providing employment.

While J&K is famous for its apples, almonds, walnuts, and saffron, Repora’s grapes are now emerging as a new cash crop, further enriching the region’s agricultural heritage.