Bajura Farmers Bring Eight Tons of Organic Apples to Dhangadhi in Search of Market

Dhangadhi: Pesticide-free organic apples produced by farmers in Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality of the mountainous Bajura district arrived in Dhangadhi, Kailali, on Thursday for sale.

Dan Bahadur Rawal, an apple farmer from Ward No. 1 of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality, stated that the apples were brought to Dhangadhi for marketing after failing to sell in local markets.

Rawal has been cultivating apples for a long time under the registered name ‘Rupali Agricultural Farm.’ “Farmers are distressed due to the lack of a market, even though production has increased,” he said. “Many farmers here cultivate apples, and the orchards have yielded a good harvest; however, facing the prospect of wasted investment and effort due to a lack of sales, I brought them to Dhangadhi.”

He explained that he collected apples produced in the orchards of seven farmers, including his own, to bring to Dhangadhi. He expressed concern that, due to the lack of proper storage facilities, the produce often rots in the orchards or has to be sold at very low prices.

Rawal believes that ensuring market access, establishing collection centers, securing fair prices, and providing cold storage facilities would offer significant relief to local farmers and boost their income.

After finding it difficult to sell the produce locally, Rawal transported approximately eight tons of Red, Royal, and Golden apple varieties to Dhangadhi. The journey took three days and passed through Kalikot, Dailekh, and Surkhet. The price of the apples is Rs 120 per kilogram.

Produced without the use of chemical pesticides, these apples have been found to be juicier, cheaper, and tastier than other varieties available in the market.