English.MakaluKhabar.com
Mustang Apple orchards turn white as blossoms bloom
KATHMANDU: Apple orchards across Mustang have turned white as apple trees enter their flowering stage, transforming the Himalayan district—widely known as Nepal’s “apple capital”—into a scenic landscape of blossoms.
According to technical assistant Sher Bahadur Raut from the Agriculture and Livestock Development Office in Mustang, rising temperatures have triggered the flowering phase in apple trees.
He noted that apples require a period of chilling exposure—commonly referred to as “chilling hours”—to ensure proper flowering and fruit development.
“Apple is considered the king of temperate fruits,” Raut said, explaining that around 45 days of exposure to temperatures below 7°C are essential for bud formation and flowering. During the flowering and fruit-setting period, temperatures between 10°C and 20°C are ideal for optimal growth.
Officials say apple trees in Mustang typically undergo pruning and orchard management after harvest in October and November. As a result, flowering naturally occurs during March and April each year.
Pollination Crucial for Yield and Quality
Experts emphasize that pollination is a critical stage for improving both yield and fruit quality. While some apple varieties self-pollinate naturally, many require cross-pollination. Wind and honeybees play a vital role in this process.
Agricultural technicians recommend placing six to eight beehives per hectare of apple orchard to ensure effective pollination and improved productivity.
However, officials also caution that adverse weather during the flowering period—such as rainfall or snowfall—can severely impact production. Excess moisture can encourage fungal infections, affecting fruit quality and yield.
Farmers Seek Better Support and Land Utilization
Farmers in Mustang report that while blossoms are abundant this year, stable weather conditions are essential for a good harvest. Bhupendra Sherchan, a farmer from Jomsom, said consistent weather during pollination is crucial for fruit formation.
He also stressed the need for government support, including training, subsidies, and better utilization of unused public land for commercial apple farming. According to him, many young people are migrating abroad due to limited local employment opportunities, while agricultural land remains underutilized.
Expanding Apple Cultivation in Mustang
Official data shows that apple farming in Mustang covers a total of 899.16 hectares across five local levels. Of this, 837.16 hectares are under traditional apple varieties, while 62 hectares are cultivated with high-density hybrid apples introduced from Italy.
Productive orchard area includes 572 hectares of local varieties and 55 hectares of hybrid plantations, according to the Agriculture and Livestock Service Office.
With blossoms now covering orchards from Lomanthang to Thasang Rural Municipality, farmers and officials alike are hopeful that favorable weather conditions will lead to a productive apple harvest season in the months ahead.