Sweet Buckwheat on the Verge of Extinction in Mugu

Sweet buckwheat, a traditional crop in the mountain region, is on the verge of disappearing in Mugu district as local farmers shift away from its cultivation. Once widely grown in high-altitude upland areas, the district has seen a steady decline in the area under sweet buckwheat cultivation.

Although sweet buckwheat is a highly nutritious grain, the rise of modern agricultural practices and the appeal of faster-yielding cash crops have drawn farmers away from it. Additionally, the trend of local youth migrating abroad for employment has contributed to the reduction in buckwheat farming, as fewer hands are available for labor-intensive crops.

Farmers who continue to grow sweet buckwheat face challenges in securing fair prices for their produce, which has dampened enthusiasm for cultivation. "We wait for months for the buckwheat to mature, but it doesn't sell well and the prices are low. We can't even earn enough to cover our costs," said Prabhu Jung Shahi, a farmer from Topla, Chhayanath Rara Municipality-7.

Local communities worry that with the decline of traditional buckwheat cultivation, Mugu's unique food culture, identity, and indigenous crops may also disappear. They have called on the local government to promote buckwheat farming by providing support and incentives for farmers.

Sweet buckwheat is valued for its health benefits, with bread and other foods made from it believed to help relieve asthma, cough, colds, and even heart ailments. High-altitude areas like Pina, Kotila, Mundu, Liudi, Ghattelek, Tali Lek, Roba, Soba, Topla, Mathi Tuma, Lamera, Budu, and Mugum Karmarong are ideal for buckwheat cultivation in Mugu district. -- RSS