This year, Mustang district exported apples valued at more than Rs 920 million, according to preliminary data from the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Mustang. Last year, the district’s apple exports amounted to Rs 547.2 million.
Rajesh Gurung, head of the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, confirmed the export value but added that complete figures are yet to be finalized. He also noted that Mustang has produced its highest-ever quantity of apples this year, with production reaching 7,330 metric tons. This increase is attributed to favorable weather conditions during the apple blossoming and seeding periods.
The Directorate of Agricultural Development of Gandaki Province reported that apple production has increased by 11 percent compared to last year, when 6,596 metric tons were produced. According to the data, 6,078 metric tons of local apple varieties were grown in Mustang. Local varieties are cultivated on 830 hectares, while 566 hectares are used for hybrid varieties.
This year, traders have paid farmers an average of Rs 110 per kilogram for local apple varieties. Gurung also noted that while local apples are sold at Rs 110 per kilogram, hybrid apples fetch a higher price of Rs 200 per kilogram.
Basudev Regmi, Director General of the Agricultural Development Directorate, Gandaki Province, estimated that exports of local apple varieties would generate Rs 601.8 million this year.
About 10 percent of Mustang's apple production is consumed within the district, while the remaining 90 percent is exported to cities like Pokhara, Narayangadh, and Kathmandu via Myagdi, Baglung, and Parbat.
