KATHMANDU: Hybrid apple farming is rapidly gaining traction in Manang, with most households now cultivating apple orchards. Farmers are shifting from traditional subsistence farming to commercial hybrid apple cultivation due to its higher yields and promising market prospects. Sol Bahadur Gurung, a farmer from Tachai, Naso Rural Municipality-8, highlighted the advantages of hybrid seeds, which have led many to adopt this farming practice.

Polden Chhopang Gurung, founder of Agro Manang, noted that the hybrid apple farming initiative has evolved from a small project with imported plants to a widespread practice throughout the district. Initially, saplings of high-yield varieties like Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious were imported from Italy and Serbia. Today, hybrid apple farming covers over 13,000 ropanis in Manang.

The Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Manang reports that hybrid apple farming is now thriving, with apples produced in the district being exported to major markets in Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and even abroad. The transition to hybrid apple farming has led to increased production levels and higher incomes for farmers, who have found local apple varieties less profitable.