APPLE FARMING IN NEPAL

Apple Farming in Nepal started in Kali Gandaki valley before 1960 but the 1st commercial apple farming started
at Marpha-Mustang in 1966. Marpha produces the juiciest apples
Variety in Price per Kg around valley:
in Nepal. Jumla Apple: Rs. 140-160
Chinese Apple: Rs. 300
Apples from Jammu & Kashmir: Rs. 200
Purpose of Apple Production:
Fruit, Jam, Juice & Wine

Productive Lives of Apple Tree:

15-20 years

Past Scenario shared by the Oldest Apple Producer from Mustang - 75 yrs. Old (Nar Bdr. Hirachan)
“We used to sell apples by carrying them on bamboo baskets on our backs and walking to nearby cities. Later,
the government helped us to market our products using helicopters since there were no roads. And now the
demand is so high that buyers come here to pick apples from the trees themselves”
Source:
http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-04-20/nepals-apple-capital-fails-to-meet-
rising-demand-juiciest-apples.html”

Mustang is the second-largest apple production hub in the Himalayan country after the remote western district of
Jumla. Apples from Mustang are considered the best for their texture, juiciness and crunchiness. However, the
same organic apples are rarely found and tasted by locals in Kathmandu. According to government statistics,
Mustang produced 4,500 metric tons of apples in the last fiscal year, generating a revenue of over Rs. 310 million.
However, the capital city received only a few tons of apples from Mustang in autumn last year equalling about
400,000 kg.

Additional Issues:
1. Mustang’s entire production capacity cannot meet the demand of the capital for even a couple of days.
2. On normal days, around 700,000 kg of apples are consumed in the valley, with the amount rising exponentially
during festive seasons.
3. Currently, 90 percent of the apple in the deficit in the country is being met by imports, with China being the
biggest import destination
4. The other apple imports come from India, United States and Australia.
5. Due to low production and problems in grading and packaging systems, Mustang apples are consumed only
within the nearby cities like Beni, Baglung and Pokhara.
6. Out of a total 1,100 hectares of area for apple cultivation, commercial production is carried out only in 350
hectares and hence production is automatically low.
7. Beside fresh apples, the region produces dried apple candies, apple brandy, cider wine and juice which support
the tourist trade in Mustang district. Dried apple crumble is sold only in the big supermarkets and departmental
stores in the capital as they are mostly consumed within the local area by domestic and foreign tourists.
Bitter Truth-As per retail liquor store in Kathmandu, “Many customers visit us asking for Mustang’s apple
brandy known locally as Marpha. Since we only have a limited supply, we often sell them Jumla’s apple
brand, claiming it to be Mustang.”
8. Currently, there are only three apple brandy manufacturers in Mustang, all of which use traditional brandy-
making equipment like firewood and processes.
9. Farmers in the Himalayan belt lack modern farming practices and technology like cold stores and skilled
human resources, and as a result the juicy delicious apples are failing to reach the broader market.

http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-04-20/nepals-apple-capital-fails-to-
meet-rising-demand-juiciest-apples.html

Issue in Jumla:
1. As air service was the only means of transportation available in these districts, the poor farmers were not able
to transport apples to the market of Nepalgunj or Kathmandu. As such, they had no option but to feed the
apples to their cows. Thanks to the construction of the Karnali Highway, the farmers have started supplying
their products to markets across the country.
http://therisingnepal.org.np/news/14385
5th Sept. 2018

For example, as shown in the World Bank’s Vision for Nepal – Policy Notes for the Government, the western
regions of Nepal are highly suitable for producing apples but they are also the regions with the greatest
prevalence of poverty.

Solutions:
 Provide agro-training for farmers
 Run breeding programmes
 Provide micro-credits
 Establish more agro-based industries
 Introduce land reform for a democratic distribution and scientific cultivation of land
 Transportation facilities for distribution

Contribution to Nepalese Economy???

1. Price of the imported apple will be low in the market as local apples will be accessible
2. The remaining 750 hectars of land will be utilized out of 1100 hectars for the production of apple.