Jumla exports apples worth Rs. 412 million

By Netra Shahi, Jumla, Dec 16: Jumla district has exported apples worth Rs 412,989,270 this year.

According to the Agriculture Development Office, this figure was drawn from the statistics published in the first week of December.

Some 5.591 metric tons of apples were exported during the current fiscal year, according to the office chief Ram Bhakta Adhikari.

The agriculture office reported that during the apple producing season, local apples were sold for Rs. 65.50 per kg at the orchard gates. Similarly, local apples were sold for Rs. 70 per kg in some orchards of municipalities.  The Italian Fuji apples were sold at prices exceeding Rs.175 per kg.

The local consumption of apples within the district was 4,415 metric tons, considering 25 percent of the total production this year. 15 percent was delivered outside the district as gifts and souvenirs through gift and present.

In addition, 15 per cent of the total production, which amounts to 2,648.81 metric tons, was used to produce dried slices, juice, jam, cider, brandy, and Maad (local product). Moreover, 586 metric tons of high-density apples were produced.

Production Decreased

Apple production has decreased this year due to hailstorms and pests compared to the previous fiscal year. According to the Agriculture Development Office, the drop in yield occurred due to the hailstorms that happened during the apple blossom period last year.

Apple Planted

Apple planting area has been increasing in Jumla. Based on the information from the Agriculture Development Office, apple saplings were planted on around 4,497 hectares this year. 2, 165 hectares were productive among the total apple-planted area. According to the report of the Agriculture Development Office, high-density apples were planted in 52 hectares, with 40 hectares yielding fruit this year.

The varieties of the local apples grown in the Jumla include Red Delicious, Royal Delicious, Golden, Richard, Jonathan and Spure among others. Likewise, the high-density varieties contain Gala and Fuji.