Mustang witnesses fourth snowfall, farmers elated

By Hari Krishna Sharma, Muktinath, March 16: Mustang has witnessed its fourth snowfall of the year, bringing relief and optimism to farmers engaged in agriculture and livestock farming.

Farmers in the region have expressed happiness, saying that the snow will benefit grazing areas and agricultural production following the snowfall in all five rural municipalities of Mustang District.

A mountain goat (Chyangra) herder, Angyal Gurung of Chhoser of Lomanthang Rural Municipality-1, said that snowfall covering the pastures during the month of March helps increase grass growth in grazing fields.

“In the past, lack of snowfall led to a shortage of grass in grazing areas, forcing us to bring feed from the market. This snowfall has made livestock management easier,” he said.

Chief of the Agriculture and Livestock Development Office Mustang, Dr Lalamani Aryal, said that the snowfall has proved beneficial for agriculture and livestock farming in the high Himalayan region.

He said that snow accumulated in the highlands helps maintain the necessary temperature for livestock such as yaks and Chyangra goats in grazing areas.

Aryal added that the snowfall is expected to have a positive impact on major crops such as apples, potatoes and other agricultural products.

Snowfall and rainfall have also been reported in areas including Thasang, Gharapjhong, Baragung Muktikshetra, Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda and Lomanthang rural municipalities, raising hopes of improved agricultural production.

Officials said that the snowfall is also expected to reduce the risk of diseases in the region.

Farmers said that due to negative temperatures and heavy snowfall since Mangsir, there had been a shortage of grass in grazing areas.

The recent snowfall, however, has improved conditions for managing livestock in the high-altitude pastures.