Mustang local levels distribute over 25,000 apple saplings

MUSTANG: Local levels in Mustang district have distributed more than 25,000 apple saplings to farmers at a 50 percent discount value this year.

Apple saplings have been handed to farmers of Barahagaun Muktichhetra Rural Municipality (15,000 saplings), Gharpajhosang Rural Municipality (10,000 saplings), and Thasang Rural Municipality (500 saplings) through the Agricultural division of local levels, informed Bimal Khatri, agriculture technician at Gharpajhong Rural Municipality.

Each of the apple saplings is sold for Rs 22 against the market rate of Rs 45 per sapling, said Khatri, adding that the farmers have been given equipments and pesticides to cultivate and plant apple saplings.

Also Thasang Rural Municipality also provided walnut saplings to farmers at a 50 percent discount rate. A walnut sapling was distributed for Rs 13 each, while its market price stands at Rs 27 each.