Kathmandu— Farmers in several municipalities of the northeastern parts of Bajura are harvesting this year’s apple crop, which has seen improved yields compared to last year. However, farmers in Pandusain face significant challenges as a key road to market remains blocked for four months, leaving them worried about transporting their harvest.

Improved Yields and Market Access

Farmers in Himali, Swamikartik Khapar, Jagannath, and Budhinanda municipalities have begun picking apples as they ripen fully in September. Unlike previous years when farmers had to carry their produce to markets themselves, traders now increasingly travel directly to the orchards to buy apples. This development has made marketing easier for farmers and encouraged local communities to expand apple cultivation on land previously used for winter crops.

“Earlier, we had to pick apples and take them to the market for sale. Now, traders come to the orchard to buy apples. We don’t have to carry them to the market,” one farmer said.

Economic Outlook

Farmers sold apples for about Rs. 30 per kilogram at the orchard last year. This year, they expect prices to reach around Rs. 50 per kilogram. If traders fail to offer that price, some farmers say they will transport the apples to market themselves. Bajura currently has around 170 hectares under apple cultivation, with the area expected to exceed 180 hectares in the coming years.

Road Closure Challenges

Farmers in Pandusain of Budhinanda Municipality face a more immediate problem. Apples have ripened and begun falling in the fields, but farmers struggle to transport them to market because the Martadi-Kolti road has been closed since May. Around 42 kilometers of the road remains affected by the disruption.

Nanda Bahadur Rokaya, ward chairman of Budhinanda Municipality-10, said the prolonged closure had left apple growers worried about how to transport their harvest.

Infrastructure Development

A contract worth Rs. 55.888 million was signed with Dhangadhi-based TDR-Jugal Kaushik JV on November 1, 2021, to construct a concrete bridge over the Bauli River. The bridge was originally scheduled for completion by February 27, 2023, but after delays, the deadline was extended to March 14, 2026. The contractor received Rs. 15.5 million in payment.

“The previous company has left the job. Now, Kasim Construction Service Mangalsain has started the construction of the bridge,” said Subhash Shah, an engineer at the Road Division Office, Achham.

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.