Organic Apple Orchard Management Practices Among Rural Farmers of Jumla District, Nepal

Abstract

Apple is a high-value commodity produced in the Jumla district of Nepal, with production ranging from semi-commercial to commercial scales. Orchard management is a key factor influencing apple production and productivity; however, the adoption of recommended management practices in Jumla has not been systematically evaluated. This study assessed apple orchard management practices among growers in Tatopani, Guthichaur, and Patarasi Rural Municipalities, and Chandannath Municipality. Primary data were collected through household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interview, with a total of 70 respondents selected via simple random sampling and data was analyzed using STATA. The results showed that the majority of respondents were male (65.71%), majority belonged to the Chhetri ethnicity (60%), with most belonging to medium-sized families (54.28%) and earning the majority of their income from agriculture (60%). Adoption of orchard management practices varied among households: most respondents practiced training and pruning (90%) and applied farmyard manure (FYM) (82.85%), 38.57% adopted both mechanical and biological disease and insect pest management practices, whereas 61.42% practiced mechanical measures only. Woolly apple aphid and papery bark disease were the most prevalent issues observed during the survey. Major challenges identified for apple production included limited access to production inputs, insufficient irrigation facilities, and high incidence of pests and diseases. The study recommends prioritizing improved irrigation access, use of certified planting material, appropriate fertilizer application, and effective disease and pest management to enhance apple productivity in the region.