KATHMANDU: Farmers in the Himalayan district of Mustang are currently busy harvesting buckwheat, a traditional staple crop. The buckwheat, which was sown in June, is being harvested between the last week of October and the second week of November.
Buckwheat is one of the most prominent traditional crops grown at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 meters above sea level. Savita Thakali, a farmer from Thini village in Gharapjhong Rural Municipality-5, explained that farmers typically sow buckwheat after harvesting barley and uwa, which are planted in November. The crop takes approximately 100 days to mature.
Cultivation is widespread across all five local units of the district, stretching from Tukuche in Thasang-1 to the border villages of Lomanthang. Farmers grow the crop for both domestic consumption and commercial purposes. Amit Thakali, a local farmer, noted that buckwheat is also grown in the vacant spaces within apple orchards. He added that the expansion of road networks has significantly improved the marketing of local agricultural products, allowing farmers to sell their surplus after meeting household needs.
Buckwheat flour is used to prepare traditional dishes such as dhindo and roti. These dishes have become a major attraction for tourists visiting Mustang. Furthermore, the use of buckwheat is a staple during local festivals. The traditional crop from the high-altitude region is increasingly gaining popularity in hotels and kitchens across urban areas.
