Snowfall brings tourists to Munsiyari

BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, February 22

Rain and snowfall in the last 24 hours has not only gladdened tourists, tourism operators but also potato farmers in Munsiyari and Dharchula subdivisions of Pithoragrah district.

A large number of tourists reached Munsiyari to witness snowfall in the town and its vicinity on Tuesday and Wednesday. “We have somehow managed to make up for the losses caused to the tourism business in Munsiyari town due to demonetisation in the last three months, as tourists have arrived in the town to witness snowfall that is visible right from Kalamuni to Bitulidhar, on the way to Munsiyari town,” says Puran Pandey, a hotelier in Munsiyari.

He says potato farmers have started sowing their next crop as over 6 mm of rainfall has caused moisture in their fields. “Farmers were awaiting rain for moisture to sow the crop for the last 15 days and have got an opportunity now,” he adds.

According to sources in the district horticulture office, over 500 acres are under potato cultivation in Munsiyari subdivision where 15,000 quintals of potato is produced every season. “About 5,000 potato farmers have suffered losses in the last season due to demonetisation. We hope to make good the losses in the next crop season,” says Devendra Singh, a potato farmer in Jimia village of Munsiyari subdivision.

According to weather department sources, the rain continuing for the last 24 hours has unequal distribution but is helpful for the rabi crop. The crop yield in hilly regions will increase while it will provide sowing time for the potato crop in lower valleys as well. “The highest rainfall of 16 mm was recorded in Dharchula subdivision, followed by 7 mm in Didihat, and 6 mm each in Pithoragarh, Munsiyari and Berinag in the last 24 hours,” says the sources.