Farmers of the mountainous district of Manang are getting attracted to apple farming with many finding their calling in this sector. Sol Bahadur Gurung of Naso Rural Municipality-8 has switched to apple farming from traditional agriculture as apple farming generates high income.

A high density apple farm based in Manang started growing hybrid apples on four ropanis of land by applying the high density farming technology. Encouraged by good yields, the apple farming has gradually expanded, according to Gurung. Apple trees of these varieties start bearing fruits two years after plantation, and their production increases every year. So, farmers have been attracted to it, added Gurung.

Although apple can grow nearly in any zone, the fruit tends to thrive in climates where it is cold in the winter and moderate temperature in the summer with medium to high humidity rather than a hot and dry climate. In general, apples can grow best in the regions where the temperature rarely increases above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They can grow best on a well-drained, loam soil with a depth of 45 cm and a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be free of hard substrata and water-logged conditions. Soil with heavy clay or compact subsoil should be avoided. 

Agro Manang Private Limited introduced the high density farming technology by planting apple saplings brought by former lawmaker Polden Chhopang Gurung from Italy and Serbia. It has been growing apple species of gala, golden and Fuji on 735 ropanis of land at Bhratang of Dingsyang Rural Municipality in Manang.

It produced over 450 metric tonnes of apple this year, said Samaraj Gurung, chair of Agro Manang. Last year, it produced more than 400 metric tonnes. It takes around one and a half months to pluck apples from the orchard, he said, adding that they generated an annual income of over Rs 50 million from apple farming.

The production is supplied to various major cities of Nepal including Kathmandu and Pokhara under the brand of 'Himalayan Fresh'. Cold stores have been set up at Bhratang, Besishahar and Kathmandu.