Grapes flourish in Humla

By Rajan Rawat,Humla, Aug. 23: Grapes have grown in abundance this year in Simkot, the headquarters of Humla district in Karnali Province. While the vines had only produced a small amount of fruit in previous years, this season they are heavily loaded.

Gagan Rokaya of Simkot Rural Municipality-5 said the grapevine he planted in his garden has produced a plentiful harvest this year. He had planted it seven years ago as a trial and although it began yielding a little fruit two years back, this is the first time it has borne such a good harvest. He added that this shows the potential for grape farming even in the high mountainous district.

According to Rokaya, the vine has spread about 15 metres in length and is covered with fruit from the roots to the tips. This season alone, it is expected to yield 50 to 60 kilograms of grapes, which are now close to ripening. 

The grapes being grown in the Himalayan region are of a seedless variety, which usually grows well at altitudes between 2,100 and 2,200 metres.

However, Rokaya’s grave is planted at an elevation of 3,045 metres. He believed climate change may have made it possible for grapes to grow at such a high altitude. Grapes at this height do have seeds and taste slightly sour, he added. 

With grapes now growing at this elevation, there is potential for farming even below the altitude of Simkot. In recent years, new varieties of fruits and vegetables have also begun to thrive in Humla.