Kathmandu— Apple prices have been officially set in Nepal's mountainous Humla district ahead of the annual harvest, ranging from Rs. 50 to Rs. 70 per kilogram for the fiscal year 2026/27. The pricing structure, established by the Agriculture Development Office, aims to support local farmers as they prepare to bring their produce to market. Prices are tiered based on quality, with Grade 'A' apples fetching the highest price and Grade 'C' the lowest. This decision comes as the initial phase of apple sales begins in the region.
Price Structure and Grading
The fixed prices represent an increase compared to last year’s rates, according to Chudamani Panta, chief of the Agriculture Development Office in Humla. Grade 'A' apples will be sold for Rs. 70 per kilogram, while Grade 'B' apples are priced at Rs. 60 and Grade 'C' apples at Rs. 50. The grading system considers factors such as ripeness, juiciness, and weight to ensure fair pricing based on quality.
Supply Regulations and Support
To maintain quality control, farmers are now required to obtain a recommendation from an agricultural technician before supplying their apples. Apples will not be permitted for sale until after the first week of Bhadra, following thorough testing that considers altitude, location, geography, and climate. The Agriculture Development Office, in collaboration with the National Agriculture Modernisation Programme, will provide cartons clearly marked with ‘Humla’ to facilitate commercial apple supply.
Production Area and Targets
While apples are planted across 2,820 hectares of land in Humla, current production is limited to 680 hectares. The Agriculture Development Office has set a target of producing 5,380 tonnes of apples this year, aiming to maximize output from the cultivated areas and support local agricultural growth.
Farmers have been advised to adhere to the established price points as they begin selling their harvest, ensuring both fair returns for producers and consistent pricing for consumers.
(With inputs from RN)
Originally published on abcnews.com.np.
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