MYAGDI: Farmers in Gajne village, Beni Municipality-5 of Myagdi, are enthusiastic as experimental apple farming has started to bear fruit.
Four years ago, local residents planted apple seedlings as a trial at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level. Neelkantha Sharma, a local resident, shared that most of the 100 apple trees planted in this small village of 24 households have now begun fruiting.
“Most villagers planted between five and fifteen apple trees each. The trees have been producing fruit for the past four years. Our trial apple farming has been successful, and we now plan to expand it commercially throughout the village,” Sharma said.
The Golden and Red Delicious apple varieties, brought from Mustang, have thrived and are yielding fruit.
As the issue of decreasing arable land due to labor shortages intensifies, locals see apple farming as a promising cash crop alternative. Farmer Gangadakta Poudel expressed optimism, stating, “After the success of the trial, we are preparing to expand apple cultivation as an alternative to grain crops. I had planted five apple trees which are now bearing tasty and juicy fruit. This year, I plan to expand apple farming to three ropanis of land.”
Apple farming was first introduced in Gajne in 2042 BS but was discontinued due to lack of fertilizer and proper care. Given the favorable cold climate of the region, the community now views apple farming as a viable commercial opportunity, especially since grain cultivation demands high labor with low returns.
Trial apple farming has also been conducted in Gurja and Ramche areas of Myagdi. Agricultural experts note that apple cultivation thrives in areas experiencing winter snowfall.
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