HUMLA: Farmers in southern Humla have exported apples worth more than Rs 21.6 million, according to the Agriculture Development Office.
Office chief Chudamani Panta confirmed that the produce has been sent to various districts outside the region.
Traders are currently purchasing apples directly from farmers at Rs 60 per kg. The apples are sourced from Tajakot, Adanchuli, Chankheli, and Sarkegad rural municipalities. Gopal Budha, a local from Tajakot-5, noted that some farmers with apple orchards have earned up to Rs 1 million each this season.
In previous years, farmers were often forced to let their harvest rot or feed it to livestock due to the lack of road connectivity. However, the export of apples to other districts began last year, providing a significant boost to local income.
Meanwhile, apple harvesting in the higher altitude regions of Kharpunath, Simkot, and Namkha rural municipalities has yet to begin. These areas are expected to start picking apples after Oct. 1.
