Nepal imported apples worth more than Rs 170 million from China during the Dashain season
Nepal imported apples worth more than Rs 170 million from China during the Dashain season, according to the Tatopani Customs Office.
The figures have been released at a time when farmers in Jumla are
dumping their apples because of the lack of transport facilities.
The customs office said Chinese apples started entering Nepali market as early as mid-August. By the time Dashain vacation started in the last week of September, 8,023 tons of apples worth Rs 172.3 million were imported into the country via Tatopani along the Nepal-China border.
Last year during the same season, Nepal had imported 7,200 tons of apples worth Rs 137.5 million from China.
Tatopani is the main entry point from where Chinese goods enter the Nepali market.
Chinese apples have been gaining popularity in the Nepali market as they are cheap as well as tasty. These apples are sold for up to Rs 65 per kg in Kathmandu.
During off-season, the price goes up slightly to Rs 80, while during festivals, like Dashain, the fruit is sold for as high as Rs 120 per kg.
The customs department has fixed the price of apple at Rs 22 per kg.
According to Tatopani Customs Office, Nepal imports apples worth around Rs 750 million a year from China.DHRUVA KUMAR DANGAL in republica
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