Sindhupalchowk. Helambu is all set to restore its former fame as the region of apples..The locals have joined hands in the pursuit after apple tree began to yield crops again. Earlier, all apple orchards had been cleared as the trees did not produce fruits since 1983 because of an unknown disease.

The local youths have already started on the venture of making their village full of apple laden trees. The first year has observed a yield of over 300 kg of apples in Renjen Hyolmo’s garden. “All apples produced have been sold out as there is high demand of the Helambu apples in the market,” he told.  “The occasional rainfalls and chilling temperature make the Helambu apples distinct, better than those produced in other areas.”

“Apples have given Helabu its identity,” said Pema Lhyamu Sherpa.  “We have therefore restarted cultivating apples with an aim to restore the lost identity of Helambu.”

Farmers said that the local government should arrange market and technicians as the apple trees have started yielding fruit. “We have faced problems in protecting apple trees from diseases and insects in absence of agro technicians in the village,” said Kami Lama of Melamchighyang. Farmers had even provided the fruit to cattle in the absence of market in the past.

The good name of the apples had reached as far as India and some third world countries in the heyday of apple production in Helambu. Apple farming has been initiated in all villages and settlements to revitalize apple production as in the past.

Helambu Rural Municipality has planned to provide special facilities to apple farmers and develop the village as a production hub of apples, Chair of Helambu Rural Municipality Neema Gyaljen Sherpa said. The saplings brought from Manang Agro, Manang had yielded good results and the rural municipality is extending the program to other areas in the region, he added.