MYAGDI: The National Agricultural Modernization Project, Jomsom, has started using a “bio-solution” as an alternative to chemical pesticides to control pests and diseases in fruit crops.
The project, which operates in Myagdi, Mustang, Baglung, and Parbat, has named the biological solution prepared from a mixture of local herbs and grasses “Epiphytic Lactic Acid Bacteria.” Project chief Bharatraj Gautam said the solution, which was tested in the office’s apple orchard last year, has been introduced in the apple orchards of Mustang farmers from this year.
Farmers are being encouraged to use organic solutions because they are healthier, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and can be prepared locally.
The project aims to make Mustang apples completely organic by replacing imported chemical pesticides. Last year, 75 farmers, and this year, 85 apple farmers, received training in preparing bio-solutions for use as organic fertilizer.
Under the project, commercial agricultural production and processing zones have been established for apples, mountain goats, and potatoes in Mustang; oranges, potatoes, and pigs in Myagdi; and oranges in Parbat and Baglung. The project is supporting the expansion of farming, quality improvement, increased production, and marketing.
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