A Comprehensive Assessment of Apple Production in Jumla District, Nepal: Status, Economics, Marketing and Challenges

Abstract

Apple production is a vital sector of agriculture in Nepal, significantly impacting local livelihoods and the regional economy. This study, conducted in Jumla District, Nepal, from January to July 2022, aims to comprehensively assess apple production, including its existing conditions, economic implications, marketing and challenges. The research hypothesizes that while apple production in Jumla District contributes significantly to the local economy, it faces challenges related to pest and disease management, marketing, and adoption of modern practices. Using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), descriptive statistics were computed based on data collected from a sample of 80 respondents selected through simple random sampling. The result revealed that agriculture constituted the primary source of income for 73.75% of the population, with an average landholding size of 0.3428 ha and an apple-growing land area of 0.3164 ha. Income from apple production, along with vegetables and fruits, was a major income source. The average annual sales of apple production were 7.291 t/ha. Labor costs accounted for 45.67% of the total cost of apple production, with an average total production cost of NPR 238,097.2 and average gross returns of NPR 485,500. Apple productivity was 9.71 t/ha, demonstrating its economic viability with net returns of NPR 247,402.80 per ha and benefit cost ratio of 2.039. However, the study found that farm produce only sufficed for 6-9 months, with pest and disease incidence and marketing issues as major challenges. Interventions should address pest and disease management, marketing strategies, and modern practices adoption to enhance sustainable and profitable apple production in Jumla. Efforts to extend farm produce sufficiency should also be explored, highlighting apple production's potential and the need for targeted support to overcome challenges and foster sector development.

Assessment of Farm-Level Practices of Disease and Pest Management in the Banana Zone of Nawalparasi West district, Nepal

“…Preliminary insights into the field conditions, socio-cultural settings, and demographic and topographic features of the study area were acquired through frequent field visits, as suggested by Ghimire and Chhetri (2023), Ghimire and Rauniyar (2023) and Thapa et al (2024). These visits informed the preparation of interview schedules, design of the sampling framework, and application of sampling techniques, facilitating efficient data collection during the subsequent household survey.…”

Productivity Determinants and Production Constraints of Apple (<I>Malus</i> Spp) in Jumla District of Nepal

“…Apple production is a main source of income in the Jumla district of Nepal, playing a crucial role in food security (Atreya and Kafle, 2016). The climatic condition of the district, marked by high altitude, low humidity, and plenty of sunshine creates a favorable condition for apple cultivation (Thapa et al, 2024) and due to less precipitation and ample cold days, the growing season for crops are shorter (Krap, 2012). Farming Apple proves to be a gift to the farmers of the Jumla district because of its economic, social, and environmental benefits (Subedi et al, 2016).…”