HUMLA: Farmers in southern Humla have exported apples worth more than Rs 21.6 million to markets in various districts outside the region, according to the Agriculture Development Office.
Office Chief Chudamani Panta said the apples produced in the region are being transported to different parts of the country, providing farmers with a new source of income.
Traders are currently purchasing apples directly from farmers at Rs 60 per kilogram. The apples are being produced in Tajakot, Adanchuli, Chankheli and Sarkegad rural municipalities.
Gopal Budha of Tajakot Rural Municipality-5 said some farmers with larger apple orchards have earned up to Rs 1 million from this season’s harvest.
In previous years, farmers often had to leave their apples to rot or feed them to livestock because poor road connectivity prevented them from taking the produce to market. The situation has improved since apples from the area began reaching markets in other districts last year, significantly increasing farmers’ earnings.
Meanwhile, apple harvesting has yet to begin in the higher-altitude areas of Kharpunath, Simkot and Namkha rural municipalities. Farmers in these areas are expected to begin harvesting after October 1.
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