For the past four decades, fruit trader Prem Lal Sahu Teli from Nepalgunj has been working tirelessly to establish Karnali’s apples in the markets of western Nepal.
Before the Karnali Highway came into operation, transporting apples from Karnali to the plains was a major challenge. In those days, Prem Lal even used airplanes to bring apples to Nepalgunj for sale.
Because of the poor transportation system, it was difficult to maintain the quality of the apples. Still, he continued his efforts to bring Karnali’s produce to the market. “Back then, when there were no roads, we had to bring apples by plane to Nepalgunj. The fruits often got pressed and spoiled during air transport,” he recalls.
After the Karnali Highway opened, transportation improved dramatically. Now, apples are graded and packed in Jumla before being delivered directly to markets in the plains. “Because apples now come properly graded and packed from Jumla, they are of high quality and have even replaced imported apples,” says Sahu Teli.
With no pesticide use and improved quality, the demand for Karnali apples has surged. Having sold these apples wholesale in Nepalgunj for forty years, Prem Lal says Karnali apples now dominate fruit markets in western Nepal. Compared to Indian apples, they are cheaper and better in taste, which attracts more consumers.
Thanks to better road connectivity, customers in Surkhet, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi, and Butwal now seek out apples from Jumla. With their attractive look and delicious taste, Karnali apples have become a favorite among consumers. According to Prem Lal, Jumla apples are now found in major marketplaces of Nepalgunj, Kohalpur, Surkhet, Dang, and Butwal.
As a wholesale distributor of Karnali apples in Nepalgunj, Prem Lal supplies them to cities across Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces. The popular Red Delicious and Golden Delicious varieties from Karnali are now easily available in the market. With direct road access, the import of Karnali apples to Nepalgunj is increasing every year. Apples from Jumla and nearby districts are transported to Surkhet and Nepalgunj, from where wholesalers distribute them across the country.
According to Prem Lal, around 3,000 quintals of Karnali apples were sold from Nepalgunj last year, and this year’s sales are expected to reach 5,000 quintals.
“Currently, Nepal’s apple production can only meet domestic demand for about three months,” says Prem Lal. “If the government supports farmers, apple farming areas could be doubled, and production could also double. With proper cold storage facilities, Nepali apples could meet national demand for at least six months.”
At present, farmers and local traders in Karnali cultivate apples on their own initiative. Prem Lal believes that with better attention to harvesting, grading, and packaging, Karnali apples could reach markets all over Nepal. Emphasizing that farmers and traders together have built the apple brand, he calls on the government to prioritize apple farming with supportive policies and incentive programs.
