Kashmir’s Repora village moves toward pesticide-free grape farming
Ganderbal, Aug 24: Over six centuries ago, Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) praised Repora in Ganderbal with the words: “Dachi Repora, Nazar chay cxopoor” — meaning “Repora grapes, your gaze extends everywhere.” Today, this picturesque hamlet at the foothills of the Great Himalayan range has lived up to that legacy, emerging as Kashmir’s hub for premium-quality grapes, now moving steadily toward 100% organic cultivation.
Nestled in the Lar tehsil, nearly every household in Repora is involved in grape farming, with around 160 hectares under cultivation.
“Nearly 90% of the population here depends on grape farming. It is our livelihood,” says Abdul Rehman Bhat, a progressive farmer from the area. The harvesting season runs from August to mid-October, supplying markets across the Valley.
Repora’s association with grapes dates back to the era of Maharaja Hari Singh, who cultivated vineyards on land now managed by the Horticulture Department. Locals also attribute their bountiful harvests to the blessings of Sufi saint Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA), believed to have planted the first vines in the area.
International standards define premium grapes at 4–5 grams per berry, but Repora grapes average an impressive 14–15 grams, making them stand out even globally.
“A team of experts once weighed our grapes, and a single berry reached 15 grams — something rare anywhere in the world,” Bhat recalls.
Turning to organic farming
Farmers say the grapes of Repora are not only large and sweet but also require fewer pesticides. “We have reduced sprays from seven to three, and our goal is to go completely organic,” says Ghulam Muhammad, another cultivator. Many households have already begun transitioning, citing health, soil conservation, and sustainability as the main drivers.
The shift toward organic methods, while challenging, is expected to raise fruit quality, enhance farmer incomes, and reduce environmental damage caused by chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
According to horticulture officials, Repora and the surrounding areas of Ganderbal produce 2,000–3,000 metric tons of grapes annually. Depending on the variety and farming practices, the average yield ranges from 8 to 12 tons per acre. Popular varieties include Sahibi, Hussaini, Thompson Seedless and Kishmish, which are sold mainly as fresh table grapes in local and regional markets.
“Repora is an exemplary site for high-quality grape cultivation that also provides employment for youth,” a senior horticulture official said. “We plan to promote grape cultivation further, introduce new varieties, and support farmers in their move toward organic farming.”
With international-quality produce, a spiritual legacy, and a community eager to embrace organic methods, Repora’s farmers are positioning their grapes as both a cultural pride and a model for sustainable agriculture in Kashmir.
As Abdul Rehman puts it: “These vineyards have been our heritage for centuries. Now we want them to be our children’s healthy and sustainable future.”
