Srinagar: Nestled within the scenic Ganderbal district, the hamlet of Repora has etched its name in history as “Kashmir’s Grapes Village”. Renowned for its picturesque beauty, this village has become synonymous with grape cultivation, a tradition that has been carried forward for generations.
With nearly every household in Repora involved in grape cultivation, this village has become a symbol of prosperity for its residents. The lush grapevines spread across approximately 60 hectares of land, providing a means of livelihood for hundreds of local inhabitants.
One of Repora’s most remarkable traits is the unique advantage of its grapes. While most grapes worldwide are harvested during specific seasons, Repora’s grapes mature at a time when fresh grapes are a rarity, rivaled only by Italy.
According to a local farmer, Abdul Rashid, a staggering 90% of Repora’s population is involved in grape cultivation. “This cash crop holds a great significance to the community, providing livelihood to almost every household here,” he added.
The typical grape harvesting season in Reporaspans is from July to mid-September. However, due to favorable weather conditions sometimes, the grape harvest commences earlier than usual.
The roots of Repora’s grape cultivation trace back to the era of Maharaja Hari Singh, who cultivated grapes on his land in Repora, now managed by the horticulture department. Today, hundreds of kanals of land are dedicated to growing various grape varieties, including Sahibi, Hussieni, and more.
The international standard for high-quality grapes typically involves a berry size of 4-5 grams. Remarkably, Repora’s grapes boast an impressive size of approximately 14-15 grams, far surpassing these global standards. A team of experts, on a visit a few years ago, weighed the grapes and were astounded to find a single grape weighing a whopping 15 grams, a feat unmatched anywhere else in the world. These exceptional grapes command premium prices in local markets, with Sahibi grapes fetching Rs 250 per kg and Hussaini grapes at Rs 200 per kg.
Repora’s grapes have been immortalized not only for their exceptional quality but also in the verses of a famous Sufi saint, Sheikh NoorudinWali, who extolled their sweetness in poetry some 600 years ago. Since then, this village has been celebrated for its finest grapes, which include varieties like Hussaini, Sahibi, Kishmish, Anabeshai, and Ruby.
Once the grapes are ripe for harvest, the village sees a flurry of customers eager to partake in the sweet bounty. Grape bunches hang in every household, and orchards overflow with grapes, catching the eye of every passerby.
Official estimates suggest that nearly 500 to 600 hectares of land in Kashmir are dedicated to grape cultivation, producing 1,100 to 1,500 metric tons annually. Repora, alone, contributes significantly to this total, with production ranging from 750 to 900 metric tons.
Water, sourced from an irrigation canal, plays a vital role in Repora’s grape production. The conscientious use of minimal pesticides, and in some cases none at all, has not only preserved the quality of the grapes but also allowed for an increase in production. As the village continues to evolve, the introduction of modern techniques like trellis systems and hail nets has further improved both production and protection. “Our next goal is to transition towards organic grape cultivation,” says Repora’s dedicated grower, Ghulam Qadir Beigh.
Reflecting on the transformation of grape cultivation in Repora, Ghulam Qadir, while busy with the harvest, shared, “Earlier, we used to send our grapes outside for processing, but now, with modern techniques and growing demand, we process them right here in our village, creating more opportunities for our community.”
