NEPALGUNJ: Apples from the Karnali region have become the preferred choice for Teej gifts in Nepalgunj and surrounding areas this year. Consumers are opting for the local fruit due to its taste and affordability compared to imported varieties from India and China.
Prakriti Rana, a resident shopping at Dhamboji, said that Karnali apples are both delicious and convenient to carry as gifts for friends and relatives during the festival. “Compared to foreign apples, Karnali apples are tastier and cheaper, which is why they are the top choice for many this year,” she said. Dhruva Thapa, a resident of Nepalgunj Sub-metropolitan City-19, noted that he purchased 15 kilograms of the fruit as gifts for the festival.
Kalpana Sharma, who has been selling apples sourced from Guthichaur Rural Municipality-4 in Jumla since the first week of August, reported a significant increase in sales during the festival season. Kamal Sunar, operator of Maharaja Fruit at Triveni Mode, added that customers are specifically requesting Karnali apples over other options.
Wholesale trader Prem Lal Sahu stated that the influx of produce from districts including Jumla, Kalikot, Humla, and Mugu has led to a decline in the demand for imported apples. Currently, the local apples are retailing for between Rs 120 and Rs 150 per kilogram. The combination of reasonable pricing and quality has established the Karnali apple as a staple gift for the Teej festival in the region.
