Kathmandu, Nepal - Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has called on Nepalis to give greater priority to domestically produced goods, using locally grown apples from Jumla as an example of how consumer choices can contribute to a more self-reliant national economy.
In a message thanking Rishiram Pandey, Chairperson of Chandannath Multipurpose Cooperative, for providing organic apples from Jumla, Bhattarai highlighted what he described as a contradiction in Nepal’s agricultural economy: while farmers in Jumla, Humla, Mustang, Manang and other parts of the country produce apples, Nepal continues to spend billions of rupees importing apples from abroad.
Bhattarai said Nepal imported agricultural products worth around Rs. 400 billion last year, including approximately Rs. 21 billion worth of fruits, with apples accounting for about Rs. 10.55 billion. He used the figures to question why domestically produced apples are struggling to secure adequate markets while remittances earned by Nepali workers abroad are being used to purchase imported produce.
The former prime minister argued that if Nepal's younger generation is serious about building a prosperous country, fundamental changes are needed not only in politics but also in economic policy and consumption patterns.
He suggested that the state should pursue policies aimed at achieving greater self-reliance in essential areas, particularly food and energy, while encouraging citizens to voluntarily choose Nepali products whenever possible.
Bhattarai also shared his own efforts to promote domestic products. He said that since his time as prime minister, he has maintained a personal commitment to wearing footwear produced in Nepal. He later extended that commitment to wearing formal suits made from locally produced allo (Himalayan nettle) fabric, saying he would continue adding similar commitments in the future.
“What if all of us, at the very least, made a habit of buying and eating only Nepali apples?” he asked.
The message comes at a time when strengthening domestic agricultural value chains, improving market access for farmers and reducing dependence on imported food have become increasingly important economic and development challenges for Nepal.
Bhattarai's call also places the spotlight on Jumla's distinctive apple production, which has the potential to support mountain farmers, generate rural employment and retain more agricultural income within local communities.
According to the information accompanying his message, a distribution centre for Jumla apples is located at Bhadrakali in Kathmandu, providing consumers in the capital with an opportunity to directly support producers from one of Nepal's high-mountain agricultural regions.
For Nepal, the question is therefore not simply about choosing between Nepali and imported apples. It is about whether consumers, producers, businesses and policymakers can collectively create an economy where Nepali farmers can find reliable markets at home and agricultural value remains within the country.
Photo: Dr. Baburam Bhattarai receiving a box of Jumla organic apples from Rishiram Pandey. Photo provided for publication.
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