Jumla, Aug 25: The Karnali Province government is set to expand fruit farming in the province by establishing dedicated orchards in several hilly and mountainous local levels.

The Fruit Development Directorate under the Ministry of Land Management and Cooperatives has launched a programme to establish fruit orchards in three local levels of Jumla. According to Project Manager Chitra Bahadur Rokaya, orchards will be developed in Himali, Sinja and Kanakasundari rural municipalities.

Similar programmes will be implemented in Banphikot, Musikot and Sanibheri of Rukum Paschim; Siddhakumakh and Sharada of Salyan; Chhedagad and Junichande of Jajarkot; and Narayan, Athbisk and Chamundabindrasaini of Dailekh. The programme will also be extended to Kalikot, Mugu, Humla and Dolpa.

Considering the local climate and geographical conditions, farmers will be encouraged to cultivate fruits such as apples, walnuts, oranges and kiwifruits.

Individual farmers, farmer groups, cooperatives and agricultural entrepreneurs will receive a 50 percent grant to encourage commercial fruit farming.

The programme aims to expand and commercialise fruit production in Karnali’s hills and mountain areas, while increasing farmers’ income and boosting local agricultural production.