JUMLA: Fuji apple cultivation has expanded to 52 hectares across the Jumla district, with high-density plantations gaining popularity among farmers.
Of the total area, apples are currently bearing fruit in 40 hectares, according to Ram Bhakta Adhikari, Chief of the Agricultural Development Office.
This year, apples have been produced on 2,165 hectares out of 4,497 hectares of planted orchards. Farmers in Jumla grow a range of varieties, including Red Delicious, Royal Delicious, Golden, Richa Red, Jonathan, and Spur, alongside high-density Gala and Fuji apples.
The district has produced around 18,245 metric tons of apples this year. Fuji apples, in particular, are attracting farmers due to their higher returns. The Agricultural Development Office estimates that about 16,000 of the district’s 19,000 households are engaged in apple farming.
Meanwhie, apple orchards across Jumla are currently in full bloom, enhancing the region’s natural beauty. Saroj Shahi, operator of Aankhe Agro-Tourism Research Industry in Chandannath Municipality–5, said the blossoming trees have made the environment especially pleasant.
Shahi has leased land from the Chandannath Temple and planted 3,300 Italian Fuji apple trees, which have already begun to yield fruit. He noted that cultivation of this variety is spreading across the district due to its profitability.
Similarly, Gopal Rokaya, an agricultural entrepreneur from Hima Rural Municipality, said the blooming orchards have added to Jumla’s scenic appeal and expressed optimism for a good harvest if conditions remain favorable.
However, farmers are concerned about black frost, which has begun damaging blossoms. Sarita Rawat, a farmer from Tila Rural Municipality–1, said frost has caused flowers to fall, posing a threat to this season’s production.
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