Apple farming brings prosperity to Gurung couple in Mustang

By Harikrishna Sharma,Muktinath (Mustang), July 13: To manage household expenses, Angya (Ngawang) and Chiring Dhoka Gurung of Tiri village, Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality-4 in Mustang, began apple farming on about one ropani of land.

Although they had arable land, due to a lack of sufficient irrigation and other challenges, they started apple farming in a small area. As the apple farming started generating income, they gradually expanded it to the rest of their fields. What began on one ropani has now spread over 60 ropanis.

Those who once mocked Angya and Chiring for what they called a useless investment, doubting that farming apples could ever become a business, are now astonished by their success. Initially, the income started to cover household expenses and children’s education, but apple farming has now turned into a thriving enterprise. Ngawang Hisi Agriculture and Livestock Organic Farm, which was established by the couple, has now become a model in the Mustang district. This year, the farm has been awarded the prestigious President’s Outstanding Farmer Prize by the Government of Nepal and also recognised as the Best Farmer by the Gandaki Province Government.

Each year, the President’s Outstanding Farmer Prize is awarded to farmers who showcase exemplary agricultural practices, carrying a cash prize of Rs. 200,000. The Ministry of Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives of Gandaki Province has also recognised them as the best farmers in the province.

Amid a function organised here at Pokhara on Friday, Minister for Agriculture, Land Management and Cooperatives Padma Giri Shrestha and Secretary Basudev Regmi presented the award. 

Model farmer Chiring Dhoka said, “This award has made me realise that the fruit of hard work is always sweet. Both recognitions have boosted our energy in agriculture.” 

Chiring Dhoka also shared that he never imagined the Government of Nepal would recognise someone growing apples in a village in Mustang. “After receiving the award, I’ve realised that the government truly searches for model farmers and recognises them,” he said.

There are currently 2,500 apple trees in Angya and Chiring’s farm land, and they are preparing to plant an additional 500 high-density apple trees brought from the neighbouring district, Manang, this year.

Last year, after deducting expenses, they earned Rs. 3.5 million from Apple sales. The Angya couple, who have employed six staff, also raise chyangra (mountain goats). From their farm with 500 chyangra, they earned Rs .1.3 million last year.

Thanks to the efforts of Provincial Assembly member Bikal Sherchan, who has supported bringing the water from the Kali Gandaki River, situated 585 metres below the Tiri village, through the Water Source and Irrigation Development Division Office, Mustang. With this irrigation facility, the couple plans to either buy or lease more land and expand apple farming to 200 ropani.

Ward Chairman of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality–4, Karma Gyacho Gurung, said the success achieved by the Angya couple through the risks they took in apple farming is a true testament to a farmer’s dedication.

“Now they are being praised everywhere. Those wanting to pursue apple farming can learn a lot from them,” said Gurung.

As water sources have dried up due to climate change, about 13 households in the village are at risk of displacement. Amid this, the determination and success of the Angya couple in commercial apple farming and livestock rearing are being widely discussed.

Last year alone, about Rs. 900 million worth of apples were exported from Mustang.