According to Mustang Agricultural Development Office (ADO), apple production went down compared to last year due to adverse climatic conditions. Rebati Poudel, an officer at the Mustang ADO, said huge snowfall during flowering season is the major reason behind drop in apple production this year. [break]
The office estimates that apple production in the district will drop to 2,800 tons from 4,000 tons recorded last year.
Meanwhile, farmers in Mustang have announced to raise price of apples by 33 percent. Gyan Bahadur Thakali, an apple farmer from Tukuche, said farmers have already informed the Mustang ADO about the decision.
“We will increase price of apples produced in the district to Rs 80 per kg, up Rs 20 per kg compared to last year,” added Thakali.
Though farmers have announced to raise the price, Poudel added that prices will be decided by the flow of apples from Jumla and other countries.
According to conservative estimates, apple farmers in Mustang earn anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.2 million a year.
Nara Bahadur Hirachan, who sold apples worth more than Rs 1 million last year, said his earning will come down this year due to drop in production.
Apples produced in Mustang are taken to markets in Jomsom, Baglung, Beni, Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu.
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