Repora turns purple with bumper grape harvest

Srinagar, Aug 22: Nestled in the Lar belt of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the village of Repora has quietly scripted a remarkable transformation. Once known as a sleepy hamlet of small apple orchards, it now proudly wears the crown of Kashmir’s Grape Village.

For centuries, Repora’s identity has been tied to grapes. Local lore recalls how revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) extolled its vineyards more than 600 years ago in his famous verse: “Dachi Repora, Nazar Chay Chopoor.” That ancient prophecy, villagers believe, has unfolded in their lifetime, as Repora’s grapes today rival the best in the world in both taste and size.

Barely a decade ago, apples dominated Repora’s landscape. But low prices and stiff competition left many farmers struggling. Grapes, however, offered them a new lease of life. Today, almost every household in this picturesque village—close to 90 per cent—has switched to vineyards.

For farmers like Farooq Ahmad Dar, the shift has been nothing short of revolutionary. “I would earn only around Rs 60,000 from apples grown on two kanals of land. After switching to grapes, I now make nearly Rs 3 lakh annually from just one kanal,” he said, terming the crop a lifeline.

According to official figures, grapes are now cultivated across more than 400 hectares in Kashmir, with Repora standing at the heart of this expansion. Alone, the village contributes over 800 metric tons of grapes annually.

What makes Repora’s produce exceptional is its quality. Globally, a grape weighing 4–5 grams is considered premium. Yet, Repora grapes often weigh between 14 and 15 grams, a size unmatched in many vineyards worldwide.

The orchards here are filled with famed varieties such as Sahibi, Husseini, Thompson Seedless, and Kishmish. Their sweetness and size attract buyers from across the Valley, and during peak season in August and September, traders and customers flock to Repora’s mandis. In fact, to meet soaring demand, additional grapes are even imported from outside Kashmir.

Repora’s bond with grapes stretches deep into history. Records suggest Maharaja Hari Singh himself cultivated the fruit on his estate in the village—land now overseen by the Horticulture Department. Locals, however, attribute the fertility of their soil to the blessings of Sufi saints such as Mir Syed Shah Sadiq Qalandar (RA).

Modern cultivation practices have also lifted the village’s reputation. Farmers here have cut down on pesticide use significantly. “We now spray only three times instead of seven. Within a few years, we want to be fully organic,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a grower who has been experimenting with organic techniques in his family vineyard.

Yet, not everything is smooth. The lack of proper storage and processing facilities remains a hurdle. Many farmers still rely on the age-old method of keeping grapes in earthen pots covered with mud to extend their shelf life—a time-consuming and inefficient process. The demand for modern cold storage facilities in Ganderbal is growing louder each year.

Officials say Repora’s story underlines the potential of diversifying Kashmir’s horticulture beyond apples. “Repora demonstrates how high-value crops can change rural economies,” a senior horticulture official remarked.

With apples, walnuts, and saffron long considered the pride of the Valley, Repora’s vineyards are now emerging as a fresh chapter in Kashmir’s agricultural journey. As harvest season turns the village purple, Repora stands as a symbol of resilience, faith, and prosperity—its grapes not only nourishing bodies but also reshaping destinies.