बिहिबार, चैत्र १५, २०८०

Apple production to increase by 28 pc in mustang

Myagdi, Aug. 6: In Mustang, also known as the apple kingdom, apple production is expected to increase by 28 percent this year. It is estimated that production will increase due to favorable weather, said Senior Agriculture Development Officer of District Agriculture Development Office Mustang, Rewati Raman Paudel. Last year, it was produced 3,500 metric tonnes in the district and this year it is expected to be produced 4,500 mt, he said. Mustang farmers harvest apples from the fourth week of August and they are happy that there is good market and increased production.

In Mustang, apple farming is in Marpha, Tukuche, Jomsom, Lete, Kagbeni, Muktinath and Jong in 867 hectares of land, said the Office. As the production decreased last year, the price was above Rs. 65 per kg but this year consumers can get at Rs. 60 by highest. The Office said the farmers are asked to lower the price as production has increased.  Last year, 33,000 apple saplings were distributed for commercial production, and apple farmers affiliating with cooperatives have been increasing in the past few years.

As against apple saplings imported from out of the district, this year, this problem will be removed. Some 70,000 plants are demanded annually and they will be produced in the district itself, said Poudel.  Last year, the farming was expanded in 110 hectares of land and commercial farmers are increasing.

प्रकाशित मिति: बुधबार, साउन २१, २०७१