In Humla, Bhim Bahadur Rokaya of Simkot Rural Municipality–7 has planted around 300 apple trees on nearly nine ropanis of land. About 200 trees bore fruit last year, producing 50 quintals. This season, he is harvesting apples for transport by road to Nepalgunj and Surkhet. "It's impossible to send apples by air, since air freight costs Rs120 (US$1.44) per kg," he said. "Now that the road reaches our village, earning Rs300,000 to Rs400,000 (US$3,600–4,800) a year from apple sales is no longer difficult."
Dan Bahadur Budha of Simkot–6 has 250 apple trees on seven ropanis, with 100 yielding fruit. He expects to sell 40 quintals outside Humla. Since July, apples from Humla have reached major cities by truck after the road link was completed. The district cultivates apples on 518 hectares with an estimated production of nearly 4,000 tons this year.
In Dolpa, apples grown on 800 hectares began reaching outside markets by road last year. However, poor road conditions and a lack of bridges limited sales to 4,000 tons out of 7,000 tons produced. Officials estimate 8,000 tons this year.
Jumla remains the largest producer, harvesting 12,500 tons annually from 3,100 hectares. Apple farming has expanded widely across the district, with common varieties including Fuji, Gala, Red King, and Golden. Large orchards have been established, such as Min Bahadur Bhandari's farm with 48,000 saplings, which produced 80 tons last year and aims for 200 tons this year. Tanka Giri has invested in 14,000 trees on 22 hectares and reports growing demand, including international interest.
In 2000, Jumla declared itself organic and launched the "One Household, One Apple Orchard" campaign. According to the District Agriculture Development Office, 16,000 of 19,000 households now grow apples. Farmgate prices are currently Rs50 (US$0.60) per kg, but traders note that a lack of storage and grading reduces value.
Road closures on the Karnali Highway frequently disrupt supply. Traders report losses when apples spoil during blockades. Apples are sold at Rs50 per kg in Jumla but reach up to Rs250 (US$3.00) in Kathmandu. Farmers and traders argue that transport, packaging, and grading costs account for only Rs50–70 per kg, leaving a wide margin for wholesalers.
According to the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, apples are grown on 3,419 hectares across Karnali, producing 31,102 tons in 2024. Officials expect similar output this year but cite storage, grading, and packaging gaps as key constraints. Apples from Karnali supply about 47% of Nepal's domestic market between September and November and are grown without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
Source: Kathmandu Post