Karnali apple farmers’ market worry sets in months before harvest season
Summary
Apple farmers in Karnali face market and price challenges months before the harvest season despite good production this year. Lack of storage, poor road connectivity, and price disparities between farmers and consumers persist as major issues.
Key Points
- Karnali's apple production has increased, with 31,102 tonnes produced last year across multiple districts.
- Farmers face market access issues, including low prices paid by traders, inadequate cold storage, and poor road infrastructure.
- Landslides frequently block the Karnali Highway during harvest, causing significant losses due to rotting fruit.
- The provincial government plans to establish an Apple Board to support production and marketing, but it has yet to be formed this fiscal year.
