Video from Hasnan village
Seasonal grape pruning and cultivation commence in Kurdistan region villages
SORAN, ERBIL — In Kurdistan region villages the annual spring clean-up and grapevine cultivation have begun, involving different methods to prepare the vineyards for the coming season.
Residents of Hasnan, a village located in Soran, have already started by pruning their old vines to promote new growth. This involves cutting away of old branches followed by application of pesticides to protect the plants from pests and diseases. Several days later, the actual plowing takes place.
Himdad Hasnani, a local of Hasnan village, told 964media that this agricultural routine is an integral part of their community’s annual cycle, known locally as ‘Zbara’ (co-working). “Most villagers are engaged in agriculture, which is why these activities are carried collectively every year,” Hasnani explained.
He also noted that the villagers use two different tools for cultivating their lands and gardens. The animals, particularly ox, have been used from ancient times for plowing, while more modern tools are also employed.
The pruning of grapevines is particularly timed to ensure that it occurs before the new shoots have emerged, as doing it later can harm the plant’s development, according to Himdad Hasnani.
Hasan village has approximately 80 households.