Darchula, September 28

Apple orchards in the Patha and Kasauti villages of Api Himal Rural Municipality–3, Darchula, are laden with fruit this season. Around 50 local families in these villages are engaged in apple cultivation through both commercial and traditional practices. However, despite a bountiful yield of high-yielding varieties such as Grafted, Gala, and Italian Fuji, farmers are unable to sell their produce due to a lack of market access and severe transportation difficulties, according to Kapur Singh Dhami, operator of Himalayan Agricultural Farm.

Dhami, who runs a commercial apple farm, shared that his 500-plus trees produced 1.5 to 2 metric tons (15–20 quintals) of apples this season. Yet, logistical constraints and the absence of a market have created significant hardship. “Almost every household in the village cultivates apples, with 10 to 12 families owning over 100 trees each. While some managed to sell small quantities locally or distribute them among relatives, around 1 metric ton (10 quintals) of my produce remains stuck,” Dhami said. “I managed to sell about a quintal locally at NPR 100 per kilogram. Transporting the harvest to the nearest road head takes a full day’s walk, and even then, there is no guarantee of finding buyers.”

The situation is similarly grave in Kasauti village, located further away than Patha, where farmer Janak Singh Karki has also undertaken commercial apple farming. Farmers there express deeper concern, as its greater distance makes market access even more elusive.

Three years ago, the Office of Cottage and Small Industries constructed a cold storage facility in Patha. At present, 1.5 to 2 metric tons (15–20 quintals) of apples—including 1 metric ton from Kapur Dhami—are stored at the facility. Farmers remain deeply anxious about potential spoilage due to prolonged storage and frequent, erratic power outages affecting the cold storage unit.

— RSS