Agriculture in Tsum Valley and Manaslu Region

Agriculture is the backbone of Tsum Valley and the Manaslu region. And rivers that originate from the melting glaciers and snow from the mountains are a lifeline for people and the agricultural fields of the Tsum and Manaslu Regions.

The Shyar Khola drains the valley, which originates from the western glacier of Ganesh Himal and the east and southern glaciers of Sringi Himal, and meets the Budhi Gandaki at Nyak.

Potatoes are the main staple of the Tsum and Manaslu. People grow crops like Barley (Yungba), Millet, Wheat, Mustard, and Maize as their major crops in the high altitudes. Those crops are more resilient and grow fast in the rain-shadow area of the Manaslu region.

Photo: Farmers ploughing fields in the Manaslu region of Nepal.

People follow the traditional method of farming. They practise the terraced farming system. It is the cleverest and most beneficial practice to prevent erosion and use water to its optimum. People use Dzos to plough fields. Dzo is a hybrid of a Cow and a Yak. Agricultural practice is a single harvest in a year because the growing season is short. It starts from May to September. 

The villagers follow traditional processes to till the land, select and plant seeds, protect plants from competing plants and animals, and gather the harvest. Having a variety of crops grown prevents overreliance on just one staple crop, which helps replenish soil nutrients. Though yields may be lower, the produce is natural, healthy, and of sufficient quality, and the use of chemical fertilizers doesn't hamper production.

However, without using insecticides, plants face higher disease risks. Traditional farming increases production costs using natural soil enhancers like manure and animal dung rather than soil enrichment products and technology. It also relies more on rainfall patterns, making drought a common issue that impacts yields.

The villagers have specific roles in managing agriculture. The "Bigo Laune" settles disputes related to crop damage by domestic animals and conflicts over pasture lands, forests, and farmland use. They enforce rules about irrigation usage and organize events like the "Ne-Tonle" harvest festival in September. The "Chyokor" ritual is performed in July by the village's spiritual leader (Lama) when crops ripen.

At least one member from every household, usually the family head, participates in village meetings to discuss matters related to current and new community leaders. These meetings are crucial for managing agricultural activities and resolving related regional issues.

Livestock is another important part of Manaslu and Tsum Valley. Yaks (male), Nak (female), Dzos, Sheep, and Himalayan Goats are raised by people. People raise these cattle for Milk, Butter, and Cheese. Similarly, wool is collected to make clothes and fabric. Manure is used to fertilize lands. Killing animals or any form of violence is prohibited in Tsum Valley trek. Therefore, you cannot get meat, but you can get meat in the Manaslu Circuit Trek regions.

Manaslu and Tsum Valley face major agricultural challenges. One of the major challenges is short harvesting months. Harvesting months start from May to September. Snow and cold disrupt farming. Limited land is another challenge people of Mansalu and Tsum Valley are facing. Most of the land is rocky, which is not suitable for farming. Global warming is another factor that is affecting farming in that mountainous region. Unpredictable climate and increasing heat are slowing down the growth of plants.

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Author

Mohan Raj Bhandari

Founder/Managing director

A native of the Annapurna region, he brings over 17 years of firsthand experience leading treks across the mountains of Nepal. His deep local roots and proven guiding expertise make him a trusted authority on authentic Himalayan adventures.