MUSTANG: Apple production in Mustang has seen a notable increase this year, particularly in hybrid apple varieties cultivated using high-density technology.
The post-harvest process is now in its final stages. A district-level coordination meeting had earlier decided to allow the export of hybrid apples starting from August 21, and Kingrat apples from August 31.
Following this decision, apples are currently being transported from local orchards to cities including Pokhara and Kathmandu.
According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, hybrid apple production is estimated to have increased by about 10 percent this year. Office Chief Rajesh Gurung said an initial field survey indicated a production rise.
Last year, around 1,250 metric tons of apples were harvested from 50 hectares of hybrid apple orchards. This year, production is expected to reach 1,375 metric tons, an increase of 125 metric tons.
However, the center anticipates a 15 percent decline in the production of traditional local apple varieties. Last year, 678.84 metric tons of local apples were produced from 830 hectares. This year, the yield is expected to drop by about 92 metric tons.
Local farmer Dipsagar Thakali from Thasang-1, Tukuche, confirmed the decline. “Last year, the trees were full of fruit. This year, there are far fewer apples,” he shared, noting that production has decreased by about one-third in his area.
In contrast, some farms report no such decline. Karma Gurung, operator of the Chimle Orchard Agricultural Apple Farm in Gharpajhong-5, said production remains stable there. He attributed the consistent yield to proper orchard management, favorable geography, and ideal location.
Padmanath Atreya, head of the Temperate Horticulture Development Center in Marfa, explained that unseasonal rainfall during the flowering period negatively impacted yields in many places. However, he added that exact production figures for the district would only be confirmed after October.
Last year, the district produced a total of 7,328 metric tons of apples—including both local and hybrid varieties—from 616 hectares of orchard land. Of this, 10 percent was consumed locally in Mustang, while 90 percent was exported.
The Agricultural Knowledge Center reported a total apple trade value of Rs 826.8 million, with Rs 91.8 million worth consumed within the district.
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