Jumla: In a remarkable achievement, apple farmers in Jumla, Nepal, have exported more than 21,000 metric tonnes of apples this year. This successful export venture was confirmed by Ganesh Bahadur Adhikari, the Acting Chief of the Agriculture Development Office in Jumla.

Despite the increasing interest of locals in apple farming in recent years, this year saw a 40% decrease in apple production compared to the previous year. To gather comprehensive data on apple production throughout the district, the Agriculture Development Office in Jumla is currently in the process of collecting information. This data is expected to be available in a few weeks.

Jumla is renowned for producing a variety of apple species, including Jumli, Italy, Gala, Fuji, Jona Prince, and others. Traders from neighboring districts have flocked to Jumla, particularly the Sinja Valley, to purchase these apples. Local authorities in Jumla have also issued notices to farmers, advising them to begin apple harvesting after September.

Yubraj Neupane, a local trader, revealed that businesspersons from Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Dang, Dhangadhi, and Butwal have visited Jumla to buy apples, especially in preparation for the upcoming Teej festival.

Apple farming plays a crucial role in Jumla's economy, with approximately 16,000 households relying on it. The district boasts apple cultivation across 4,250 hectares of land.