Apples amounting to Rs 918 million have been produced in Mustang district, according to the data shared by the district’s Agriculture Knowledge Center for this fiscal year 2024/25.
Apple production reached record high at 7,328.84 metric tons with local varieties weighing 6,078.84 metric tons on 830 hectares of land, and hybrid varieties 1,250 metric tons on 60 hectares. Estimates show that the export of local varieties of apples alone generated Rs 601.8 million and additional Rs 225 million through export of the hybrid varieties — totaling Rs 826.8 million.
Last fiscal year, Mustang produced 4,976.47 metric tons of apples. Reportedly, the total exports to other districts amounted to Rs 547.2 million.
Out of the total local variety output produced this year, red delicious comprised 30% while others accounted for royal delicious (30%), golden delicious (25%), richa red delicious (10%), and fuji (5%).
The data shows that only 10% of the produced apples were stored and consumed within the district while the remaining 90% were exported to the major cities like Pokhara, Narayangadh and Kathmandu through Baglung, Myagdi and Parbat districts.
Mustang’s present storage capacity stands at 307 metric tons.
Local apples fetched an average farm price of Rs 110 per kilogram for farmers while the hybrid apples fetched Rs 200 per kilogram.
Mustang is a pocket area of apple production and is renowned for its apple farming industry, particularly apple farms of Marpha. The district also produces fruit brandy named Marpha brandy.
Mustang apples are also used to produce wines, cider, jam and dried apples. For instance, Big Master, a local wine producer, uses Mustang apples to produce its white wine.
