KATHMANDU, Nov 4: Helambu, a popular tourist destination, will be developed into an apple hub.
Some three decades ago, Helambu was a center for apple production. Locals used to carry apples to the capital for market. Later, as a result of transport facilities, locals opted for foreign employment and businesses.
Apple trees were cut down. Apples once exported to India and other countries lost their identity.
IN PICS: Beautiful landscapes of Helambu, the hidden Hyolmo Val...
However, local governments and youths are now jointly collaborating to bring back the lost identity of Helambu as an apple hub.
According to the Chairperson of Helambu Rural Municipality, Nima Gyaljen Hyolmo, apple farming has already been reinitiated in most of the villages in Helambu.
“Helambu receives plenty of rain and its cold climate favors apple farming,” said Renjen Hyolmo, a local youth.
Helambu is some 80 kilometers away from Kathmandu. But due to lack of proper access to transport facilities, farmers have been unable to take their products to the market.
Locals are now working to produce 300 kilograms of apples in the first year of apple re-yielding.
“We faced several problems in protecting our apple trees from disease and insects due to lack of agro-technicians and training. Now transport facilities are better,” said Kami Lama, a local farmer of Melamchi Ghyang.
(With inputs from RSS)
