KATHMANDU, JUNE 23 Taman Khola Rural Municipality has initiated commercial apple cultivation on 20 ropani of long-abandoned barren land in ward-4, aiming to generate income and reduce land fallowness. The municipality has planted around 1,500 apple saplings of different varieties in the Gordhi and Baheli areas with an investment of about Rs 700,000. Ward authorities will manage care, maintenance and plantation upkeep. Located between 2,500 and 3,500 metres above sea level, the site is considered suitable for apple farming, with officials expressing confidence in good future yields. The municipality has developed working procedures and launched the project on a pilot basis. Chairperson of Taman Khola Rural Municipality-4, Chhaprasad Sirpali, said the initiative aims to expand apple farming if the pilot succeeds. 'If production starts, it will link locals to income generation and also promote tourism,' he said.