Mustang apple demand surges
It is estimated that around 90% of Mustang's apple production is consumed in Pokhara, with the remaining 10% staying within the district.
KATHMANDU: The demand for apples from Mustang, a key apple-producing region in Nepal, has surged in recent years, particularly in Pokhara and surrounding cities.
It is estimated that around 90% of Mustang’s apple production is consumed in Pokhara, with the remaining 10% staying within the district.
Mustang apples have gained popularity as a souvenir among visitors, further boosting demand. Rajan Sherpa, owner of Tukuche Apple Nursery, stated that there is no shortage of markets for Mustang apples, as contractors are eager to buy them at retail prices once harvested.
The rise in apple production is attributed to the introduction of innovative farming techniques under the High-Density Apple Nursery program. Sherpa shared that high-density apple plants imported from the Netherlands are now being cultivated in regions like Upper Dolpa, Rukum, and Rolpa. Nearly 18,000 plants are distributed each year.
Since the start of apple farming in 2022 BS, the district has seen significant growth in production, benefiting many households. Rajesh Gurung, Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Mustang, mentioned that apple cultivation now spans 890 hectares, and even Upper Mustang has seen an increase in apple farming due to rising temperatures.
However, this shift has led to a decrease in interest in traditional crops like buckwheat and barley. Niraj Thakali, a farmer from Thini village, explained that many farmers prefer high-yield, profitable crops like apples due to limited land in the mountainous region.
Thakali noted that apples from Mustang are sold at Rs 150 per kilogram, and demand continues to grow, although production remains limited.
