International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 44-58 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 45 (https://moald.gov.np). Analyzing the increase in the area and production of plantation crops in the same period, there is a 139% increase for tea and a 280% increase for coffee, with a remarkable 551% and 498% increase, respectively (Atreya and Manandhar, 2016). Despite the increasing trend in the area under horticultural crops, the rate of increase remains considerably lower than its potential. Research, education, and development partners must collaborate at all levels (federal, provincial, and local) for the optimal development of horticultural crops in the country. Horticulture contributes to 15% of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP), comprising 7.04% of the fruit and spice crop, with apples specifically contributing 0.42% (Atreya and Manandhar, 2016). With the rising levels of education, Nepalese citizens are becoming more conscious of their nutritional requirements, leading to an increased demand for vegetables and fruits. Apples (Malus domestica) are a significant temperate fruit produced in the mountainous regions of Nepal (Gayak et al., 2020). Originating in southwest Asia, east Europe, and southwest Siberia, the history of apples is nearly as ancient as that of Western civilization. The apple is native to central Asia, tropical America, and various parts of Africa and America. Apple farming in Nepal commenced in the Kaligandaki Valley before 1960. However, the first commercial apple farming venture took root in 1965 at Marpha, Mustang, when a Horticultural Farm was established, introducing new apple varieties and production methods (Commercial Apple Farming in Nepal, 2013). According to official statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in 2020, apples are cultivated in 55 out of the 77 districts in Nepal, with a production of 31,386 tons and a yield of 7.22 tons per hectare. Major apple-growing districts include Mustang, Darchula, Solukhumbu, Kalikot, Humla, and Jumla (Shrestha et al., 2017). Despite recent increases in the acreage under apple cultivation and overall production, the domestic demand has not been met, leading to a rise in imports. Kalikot, located in the remote Karnali province of Nepal, is a secluded district surrounded by hills and mountains to the east, Achham to the west, Bajura and Mugu to the north, and Jajarkot and Dailekh to the south. Positioned at 290° 5' 12" north latitude and 810° 35' 23" east longitude, Kalikot spans elevations ranging from 738 m to 4,790 m above sea level. Serving as the district headquarters, Manma Bazaar is situated at an elevation between 1,500 m and 84,790 m (Kalikot: An Epitome of Karnali Region, n.d.). Approximately 90% of the population in Kalikot is engaged in agriculture. The climatic conditions vary from subtropical to alpine, with the elevated hills proving to be climatically suitable for apple production. Kalikot is administratively divided into three municipalities and six rural municipalities. Notably, Raskot Municipality, situated in Siuna and equipped with nine wards, is well-suited for apple cultivation. It earned the designation of an apple zone in the fiscal years 2075-76. Subsequently, in 2077, it merged with PMAMP and PIU Jumla to enhance apple production. Productivity in Kalikot for apple cultivation falls below the global average but surpasses the national average. To comprehensively understand the strengths and weaknesses associated with this situation, an investigation into the production and marketing of apples in Kalikot was conducted. 1 Materials and Methods 1.1 Selection of the study area This study was conducted in the Kalikot district of Nepal. Raskot Municipality was purposively selected because it was the major area of apple production. Similarly, it was also the command area of Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP), Project Implementation Unit, Apple Zone, Jumla/Kalikot. 1.2 Sample size and sampling procedure Respondents include two categories: farmers and traders. Altogether, 78 farmers were selected from the study site using simple random sampling techniques out of 400 registered farmers. Similarly, to collect information related to marketing practices, 10 traders were selected through the snowball sampling techniques. Traders are the contractors, middlemen, wholesalers, and retailers who acquire apples directly or indirectly from the procedures. The sample size was calculated by using Raosoft software at a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error 10%, sample size 78 was calculated.
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