Mustang farmers harvest buckwheat, a cultural staple

Farmers in Mustang are busy harvesting native crops, with buckwheat being a particularly popular one. Buckwheat cultivation has long been a tradition for Mustang’s farmers, who grow it for household use, religious purposes, and as gifts for relatives abroad. In Waragung, Gharpazhong, and Thasang Rural Municipalities, farmers are embracing this heritage crop. After sowing, buckwheat takes about 100 days to mature. Once harvested, it is left in the field to dry for three days before the seeds, or kena, are collected. The stems are used as animal fodder, and buckwheat is commonly prepared in various delicious dishes. While some farmers still use traditional methods to separate the kena, others have started using modern techniques.

Most Mustang farmers grow buckwheat in limited quantities for household use. From the lower to the upper Himalayan regions of Mustang, locals have been practicing this form of cultivation for centuries. Alongside other Mustang staples like barley, maize, potatoes, and beans, buckwheat has become a prominent local brand. Buckwheat farming is widespread, from Chusang in Baragung Muktikshetra-3 to Paro Thapla in Thasang-4. Both sweet and bitter varieties are cultivated in altitudes ranging from 1,984 to 3,900 meters above sea level. The cold climate in Mustang enhances the flavor and nutritional value of this native crop.

Sweet buckwheat is typically sown in Lower Mustang in early June and July, with harvesting in October. Bitter buckwheat, planted between July and August, is also harvested by early October. In Upper Mustang, sweet buckwheat is planted in April, and the harvest begins by October. The average height of a buckwheat plant ranges from 100 to 110 cm. Sweet buckwheat flowers bloom in clusters, with light black seeds, while bitter buckwheat produces white flowers. Sweet buckwheat is particularly favored for making traditional dishes like dhido and roti.

Despite its cultural importance, buckwheat is not widely grown commercially in Mustang, partly because it is less expensive than other crops. It remains a staple crop primarily for household use. According to Roshan Thakali, Agriculture Branch Officer of Gharpazhong Rural Municipality, various programs are being implemented to promote native crops like buckwheat. Recognizing its cultural significance, the local government is offering crop diversification training, subsidies, and incentives for farmers to support its cultivation.

Buckwheat offers a wealth of health benefits, with over 24 nutrients. Known to lower blood cholesterol, prevent gallstones, reduce obesity, and benefit those with high blood pressure, buckwheat is rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Many farmers in Mustang also intercrop buckwheat with apples, as it provides them with dual benefits. Niraj Thakali, a farmer in Gharpazhong, emphasized that locals have cultivated buckwheat for centuries, valuing it for its religious, culinary, and gift-giving purposes. Mustang’s native buckwheat can even be found on the menus of big hotels.