Manang farmers attracted to hybrid apples

By Our Correspondent,Manang, Oct. 16: Farmers in Manang have been attracted to hybrid apple cultivation. Due to good yields and the potential for substantial income, they have taken up apple farming on a commercial scale.

According to Sol Bahadur Gurung from Tachai, Nason Municipality-8, hybrid apples are easier and quicker to produce, and give better yield. "Hybrid apples yield more than native varieties, and the income is higher, so I have planted them. The production is good, but there are issues with transportation due to poor roads," he said. 

It takes 4-5 years for native apple saplings to grow. However, hybrid apple trees start yielding in the same year they are planted. "This early return on investment is what has attracted farmers to hybrid apples," said Gurung. 

The apples produced here are being harvested and sent to market starting from the second week of Bhadra (August-September). Apples from various places including Upper Manang, Danakyu, Chame, and Tachai can now be found in the market. 

In previous years, apple production in Manang was limited to native varieties and animal husbandry, but farmers have now begun to increase their income through hybrid apple farming. According to Madan Regmi, head of the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, "These days, very little native apple farming is done in Manang. Most farmers have shifted to hybrid apple cultivation."

If the apples from here could easily reach the market, the consumption of foreign apples would be reduced, say the farmers. However, due to the lack of proper road networks, many apples spoil and go to waste at the farms. 

Foreign apples are widely distributed and sold in Nepali towns and cities. Local farmers believe that if the import of foreign apples is restricted, Nepal could become self-sufficient in apple production, which would also reduce prices.

The largest apple farm in Nepal, Agro Manang, is also located in Manang. However, due to transport issues, the apples are expensive when they reach the market.