Jumla sees significant slump in apple production

Apple production in Jumla this year fell significantly compared to the previous year. 

According to the District Agricultural Development Office, Jumla, the district exported apples worth Rs 190 million this year. Last year, it exported apples worth Rs 340 million. Senior agricultural officer Khem Raj Shahi said a significant fall in the apple production had made farmers worried. 

Last year, 12 thousand metric tonnes of apples were produced and the production decreased nearly by half this year. It means the production was just 6,200 metric tonnes. Though apple farming here continues to attract farmers, the production is on the decline each year, according office agricultural technicians. 

Lack of timely snowfall and limited availability of trained technicians are among the reasons behind the fall in the production, according to Apple Super Zone Office, Jumla chief Namaraj Sapkota. Agro technicians believe that haphazard cultivation also plays a role in the fall in production. 

Apple farmer Nara Rawal said, ''We have switched to apple farming by leaving other agricultural activities, but the production is not encouraging.''