Barren hillside transformed into apple orchard

BY GUN BAHADUR ROKA.Sulikot, Nov. 24: The once barren hillsides of Mulkharak in Ajirkot Rural Municipality-2 have transformed into vibrant orchards as the fragrance of newly ripened apples fills the air. What was once an uncertain experiment has now become a celebrated success story for the highland community.

Just two years ago, the rural municipality distributed free apple saplings to interested farmers to test the viability of Gala and Fuji varieties in the stony, cold terrain. Today, the trees planted during that trial period are heavily laden with bright red apples, which has created a new agricultural breakthrough in the region.

Local farmer Sanjib Lama, who planted saplings on his 15 ropanis field, harvested five quintals of apples this season. Selling the produce at Rs. 350 per kilogram, Lama’s once-risky venture has now turned into a symbol of pride for Ajirkot.

“It was difficult to imagine apples growing in our village,” he said. “We used to bring apples from the market. Now, people from nearby settlements and even towns come to pick apples right from the trees. It feels surreal.”

Mulkharak’s cool mountain climate, fertile soil, and increasing farming expertise have drawn both locals and domestic tourists to the orchards. Farmers said that the region’s 2,100-metre altitude has proven ideal for apple cultivation, inspiring more villagers to join the expanding apple farming movement.

Ajirkot Rural Municipality Chairman Deepak Devkota said that, following the success of the trial phase, the local government was preparing to expand the Targeted Apple Farming Promotion Programme. The initiative will include technical training, orchard management support, pest and disease control measures, and assistance with market linkages.

“With apple farming showing strong economic potential, we expect Mulkharak to develop into a major centre for commercial apple production,” he said.

As orchards flourish, so do the hopes of the farmers. The success born from hard work and natural beauty has sparked a new sense of optimism for Ajirkot’s agricultural future.