JUMLA, July 7: The production area of the famous Jumla apples is expanding, with increased plantation of new saplings each year. According to the District Agriculture Development Office (DADO), apple farming has been started in an additional 250 hectares of land in the current fiscal year.
Apple farming was done in 3,150 hectares of land last year, which has expanded to 3,450 hectares this year.
With increased production this year, farmers are expecting to make more money. Last year’s data shows the farmers in the district earned Rs 160 million by selling apples.
Apple production falling in Jumla
Technical Assistant of DADO Khemraj Shahi said, “More farmers are attracted to apple cultivation these days, and there is good income for good quality apples.”
It is expected that with the increase of plantation area, a total of 6,500 metric tons of apple will be produced this year.
“It is the prospects of apple farming that is attracting more farmers in commercial apple farming in Jumla,” according to Information Officer of DADO, Balak Ram Devkota. “Because of its taste and texture, the apple produced here is quite popular.”
The twenty-fourth council of District Development Committee Jumla had established a campaign of “one house, one apple orchard,” which encouraged more farmers to start apple plantation.
Appreciating the expansion of apple plantation, Senior Agriculture Development Officer at DADO Bharat Prasad Kandel stressed on the need of maintaining the quality of apples.
