MUSTANG: The sixth snowfall of the current season in Mustang has provided much-needed relief to farmers and livestock herders, as repeated and timely snowfall has improved prospects for agriculture and grazing.
Heavy snowfall was recorded Friday night across areas including Upper Mustang and the Muktinath region. While high-altitude zones in Gharpajhong and Thasang rural municipalities received significant snow, lower settlements experienced rainfall.
Pasturelands across Upper Mustang, Waragung Muktikshetra, Gharpajhong, and Thasang are now blanketed in snow, with even cultivable land in parts of Muktikshetra and Upper Mustang fully covered.
High-altitude pastures above Thini village in Gharpajhong-5, a key grazing area, are also snow-covered. Local livestock farmer Chyang Bahadur Thakali said snow has blanketed areas such as Bhrupsa, Yarujo View Tower, Namkhulek, and Mesokondo Pass along the Tilicho trekking route.
Thakali noted that this year’s snowfall has brought relief after several years of insufficient snow, which had led to grass shortages in high-altitude pastures. He explained that timely snowfall, without accompanying storms, helps ensure better grass growth, supporting livestock farming.
He added that livestock farming in Mustang has been under strain in recent years due to climate change, which has disrupted snowfall patterns, raised ground temperatures in high-altitude lakes, and caused glaciers and water sources to dry up. This has also encouraged the growth of unwanted vegetation, affecting grazing quality.
According to Thakali, adequate snowfall not only improves pasture conditions but also helps preserve wildlife habitats, including that of the snow leopard, reducing the likelihood of human-wildlife conflict.
Farmers engaged in agriculture have also welcomed the snowfall. Thakali said snow that settles at the right time gradually melts, helping recharge soil moisture and improve irrigation.
Crops such as potatoes, barley, wheat, and green vegetables have already been planted, and the apple flowering season is approaching. He expressed hope that snowfall will subside during the blossoming period.
Farmers are optimistic that timely snowfall will also help control pests and diseases, as snow acts as a natural organic pesticide. Meanwhile, the snowfall has added to the appeal of Mustang during the tourist season, with expectations that more visitors will arrive to experience and enjoy the snow.
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