Kathmandu: Three local levels of the Jumla district are embarking on a significant fruit farming project by developing dedicated gardens. According to National News Agency Nepal, the initiative is being spearheaded by the fruit development directorate under the Ministry of Land Management and Cooperatives at Karnali Province. The project involves the establishment of orchards in the Himali, Sinja, and Kanakasundari Rural Municipalities of Jumla.
In addition to these areas, similar fruit farming projects are set to be implemented in Banphikot, Musikot, and Sanibheri of Rukum Paschim, Siddhakumakha and Sharada of Salyan, Chhedagad and Junichande of Jajarkot, and Narayan, Athbisk, and Chamundabindrasaini of Dailekh. The program will also extend to Kalikot, Mugu, Humla, and Dolpa. The selection of fruits such as apple, walnut, orange, and kiwifruit has been made considering the climate and geographical conditions of these regions.
To encourage participation, individual farmers, their groups, cooperatives, and agricultural entrepreneurs will receive 50 percent grants. The primary objective of the project is to expand and commercialize fruit farming in the hilly and mountainous areas, thereby increasing farmers’ income and boosting local production.