Jumla, January 15, 2025– Agricultural technicians have taken a proactive role in Tatopani Rural Municipality by directly engaging with apple farmers to enhance their knowledge and improve production. The initiative aims to provide hands-on guidance in pruning apple trees, managing orchards, controlling diseases, and optimizing fertilizer and irrigation systems.
This effort has brought visible optimism among local farmers. According to Deepa Poudel, the head of the agriculture division of Tatopani Rural Municipality, technicians visiting the orchards have enabled farmers to access valuable knowledge beyond traditional farming practices. “Apples are a primary source of income for farmers here. The municipality is actively working to expand apple farming and equip farmers with necessary skills and technology,” she remarked.
Farmers like Hasta Rawat from Tatopani-7 have already felt the impact of this initiative. “Traditional methods have limited the production of not only apples but all crops. With the technicians’ guidance, we are learning techniques that benefit everyone,” he shared.
In response to the farmers’ challenges and to ensure their efforts yield maximum results, the municipality has deployed agricultural technicians across all eight wards. Chairperson Nandaprasad Chaulagai stated that this outreach is a key priority for the local government.
Currently, apple farming covers 4,250 hectares in the district, according to the Agriculture Development Office. With continued technical support and modernized practices, this figure is expected to translate into higher yields and improved livelihoods for the farming community in Jumla.
This collaborative approach highlights the growing importance of modern agricultural practices in addressing challenges and boosting productivity in Nepal’s rural areas.
