Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Aug 19 : Kashmir is widely recognized for its high-quality apples but few are aware of the exceptional grapes produced in the Repora village of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
According to the news agency, this village has gained fame for its grape cultivation, featuring native varieties such as Sahibi and Hussaini. A unique advantage of Repora grapes is their availability at a time when fresh grapes are scarce globally, except in Italy.
Recognizing the village’s fertile soil, the Department of Horticulture has established a grape orchard spanning 67 kanals of land.
An official of the department said plans are underway to set up small processing units, which are expected to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities.
“This year, cultivators have experienced a bumper crop, thanks to favorable climatic conditions and the technical support provided by the horticulture department,” he said, adding that the village has also become a popular destination for visitors who come to purchase fresh grapes directly from the orchards.
Experts say that Repora grapes stand out because they are available when fresh grapes are scarce worldwide. According to them, these grapes fetch premium prices in the market, with Sahibi grapes selling for Rs 250 per kilogram and Hussaini for Rs 200 per kilogram.
The grapes produced in Repora exceed international standards, with berry sizes reaching 12.5 grams, compared to the global standard of 4-5 grams, they said.
Grapes are cultivated on approximately 202 hectares of land in Ganderbal, with Repora alone accounting for 80-90 hectares. This cultivation supports the livelihoods of thousands of people and provides substantial income for young individuals during the harvesting season, which has just begun.
The largest grape production site in the district is the Mode vineyard in Kralbagh, Lar block, established by the Horticulture Department. The department sublets the vineyard to a contractor annually for cultivation, earning revenue through the bidding process.
Growers expressed gratitude to the horticulture department for its consistent guidance and support. They have requested that the department assist in exporting their grape crop out of the state, similar to how apples are managed.
The Chief Horticulture Officer told KNO that this year’s production has been significantly better than last year’s. “It is a matter of great pride for the entire Ganderbal area that this village is known as the Grapes Village,” he said
