Jumla, October 30, 2026
Parliamentary Apple Concern Group, in collaboration with Subnational Governance Program (SNGP) and Hriti Foundation, organized a public consultation in Jumla district on the proposed establishment and operation of the Apple Development Board. The consultation was organized in coordination with Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Karnali Province.
The consultation brought together more than 100 participants, including apple farmers, entrepreneurs, business representatives, elected local representatives, mayors, chairpersons of local governments, former ministers, former Constituent Assemb
ly members, provincial
parliamentarians, and agriculture-sector stakeholders. Around 55 participants actively shared their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations on the proposed legislation and the future of apple development in Karnali Province.
Farmers with decades of experience in apple farming shared their journeys, aspirations, and priorities. Senior farmer Ram Krishna Budhthapa, who has been involved in apple farming for nearly six decades, highlighted the importance of strengthening production, market access, processing, insurance, transportation, and price mechanisms. Similarly, farmer Shanku Khatri emphasized the potential of apple farming to contribute to the overall prosperity of Karnali, while farmer Gopal Rokaya highlighted the importance of making the proposed Board responsive to smallholder farmers and supporting their transition towards commercial agriculture.
Participants also discussed the proposed institutional structure, operational arrangements, service delivery, and geographical accessibility of the Board. A significant number of participants, including local government representatives, recommended establishing the Board’s headquarters in Jumla, considering its long history of apple cultivation, production capacity, agricultural infrastructure, and contribution to Nepal’s apple sector.
The consultation also provided an opportunity for provincial policymakers to directly engage with farmers and local stakeholders. Provincial Minister for Economic Affairs and Pla
nning Tek Raj Pachhai, Provincial Assembly members Devendra Bahadur Shahi, Krishna Bahadur GC, Hikmat Bahadur Bista, Purna Bahadur Khatri, and Durga Bahadur Rawat, along with other representatives, participated in the discussions. The Minister shared the provincial government’s commitment to advancing the proposed legislation and highlighted the Board’s potential role in promoting commercial apple farming, youth-focused agricultural support, quality inputs, production-based incentives, and market development.
Similarly, Dr. Chandra Prasad Risal, Secretary of the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives shared updates on the legislative preparation process and the importance of incorporating stakeholders’ perspectives. Social Development Committee Chair Purna Bahadur Khatri also highlighted the Board’s potential contribution to employment generation, agro-tourism, income growth, and provincial economic development.
The consultation was an important platform for bringing farmers’ voices, local knowledge, and policy perspectives into the provincial legislative process. It demonstrated the value of direct engagement between citizens, elected representatives, and government institutions in shaping policies that respond to local priorities.
Through this initiative, Hriti Foundation continues to facilitate inclusive policy dialogue, strengthen citizen participation, and promote evidence-informed policymaking for sustainable agricultural and economic development in Karnali Province.
