MANANG: Along with the growing demand, apple production has increased in Manang district this year.

According to the Apple Zone of Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Agricultural Project Implementation Unit in Manang, production of apple in the district is estimated to increase by 10 percent this year.

According to Rajeshwar Silwal, agriculture officer at the apple zone, production has increased after the farmers in the district started cultivating apples in high density. Farmers have replaced traditional apple farming with a modern technique for better outcomes.

Last year, Manang produced 116 tonnes of apples, claimed Apple Zone.

Apple cultivation in the upper Manang area is becoming more favorable than the lower Manang, with farmers being excited with high demands for the Manang apples, Silwal added.

The apple zone has been distributing Rs 100 per apple plant to the farmers who are cultivating apple in 150 ropani for the last three years as the management fee.

Agro Manang Pvt. Ltd. in Bhrathang of Disyang Rural Municipality -1 has grown apples in 400 ropani land this year which is expected to produce at least 400 metric tons.

According to Agro Manang president Somaraj Gurung, apples will be sold for Rs 100 to Rs. 160 per kilo. Apples produced in Manang are mostly transported to Lamjung, Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu.

Initially, Agro Manang had started modern apple production with the plant sapling worth Rs 1,500 each, imported from Italy and Serbia.

Apples are usually ready to be plucked during the last week of September. Manang's apples reach the market after being produced in a clean environment with no use of chemical-based fertilizers and pesticides.

According to Bishwakarma, chief of the Agricultural Development Office, Manang, some of the common varieties  grown in Manang are gala, golden, and fuji apples.

(Translated by Madhavi Marasini)