Hybrid Apple Farming Revolution in Manang

Hybrid Apple Farming

Hybrid Apple Farming in Manang District Takes a Revolutionary Leap In the Himalayan region, houses in Manang display apple orchards as evidence of prosperous agriculture. For the last couple of decades, apple farmers of this district have slowly shifted from traditional subsistence farming to the adoption of hybrid commercial apple cultivation. The yields are higher and fetch a better market price compared to the other varieties, which lured the farmers into this variety.

Among the pioneering farmers in Manang, Sol Bahadur Gurung of Tachai, Naso Rural Municipality-8, is prominent. He has embraced hybrid apple farming and said that better yield from hybrid seeds has been a key motivator. Growing demand for these apples in both local and international markets has encouraged farmers to invest in this modern agricultural practice.

Agro Manang founder Polden Chhopang Gurung says, "Hybrid varieties of apples changed the face of farming in this district." This company started experimenting with imported saplings from Italy and Serbia some years ago; now, farmers of the district are embracing hybrid variety apple production. Popular hybrids grown on a large scale include Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious.

The Agriculture Knowledge Centre says hybrid apple farming was first introduced in Manang six years ago and has covered more than 13,000 ropanis so far. High-density technology used in farming has increased the production of apples. For example, Polden's farm consists of four ropanis of land, which shows the potential for this innovative approach.

Chief of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Madan Regmi, said hybrid apple farming is more lucrative as it produces fruits in two years' time after its plantation. he added. Moreover, the shift to hybrid varieties has enabled the farmers to reap better returns compared to cultivating local apple species, which often failed to match their hard work with adequate income.

Today, apples grown in Manang have started reaching markets in Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Chitwan, and across the border. The district has been successful in hybrid apple farming. With each passing year, Manang is emerging as a centre for quality apples, thereby transforming livelihoods and empowering farmers.

This agricultural revolution has shown that with innovation and hard work, a centuries-old occupation can indeed turn into a commercially lucrative business. You can