Smart farming for better apples in Nepal

How digital innovation is transforming orchards in Jumla district of Western Nepal

October 16, 2025

Hiker in brown jacket stands near a solar-powered information kiosk in a green field. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

Author

Shiva Kumar Shrestha

Project Manager

In the misty highlands of Jumla, a quiet transformation is taking root—powered by the sun, data, and the determination of local farmers. Once guided by intuition and inherited wisdom, apple growers are now blending traditional knowledge with solar-powered irrigation, smart farming tools, and real-time analytics. The result is farming that’s more efficient, sustainable, and climate resilient.

Apple trees in a sunlit orchard with red fruit and pink blossoms under a blue sky. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

Smart farming brings a climate-resilient revolution to Jumla

For years, farmers in Dhaulapani, Tatopani Rural Municipality, faced declining soil fertility, scarce irrigation, and erratic weather that reduced yields. With support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy and in partnership with local institutions, UNDP’s Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project is revitalizing apple farming through smart, data-driven innovation.

By pairing solar irrigation with precision tools that track soil and weather conditions, RERAS helps farmers grow more with less. Instead of relying on guesswork, they now receive timely advice on when to water, fertilize, or protect their crops—saving water, cutting costs, and improving quality even as the climate grows less predictable.

“This is more than a technology pilot—it’s proof of concept for a new way of farming that is data-driven, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient,” says Dipa Poudel, Agriculture Section Chief of Tatopani Rural Municipality. “Real-time data helps us provide timely advice to farmers, helping them make informed decisions.”

From Gut Instinct to Data-Driven Farming

At the heart of this transformation is the Krishi Meter Sensor—a solar-powered Internet of Things (IoT) device developed by RERAS with Gham Power Pvt. Ltd. Installed across 14 hectares of apple orchards, the sensors collect real-time data on soil moisture, temperature, and nutrients. This information feeds into a centralized dashboard, where local technicians analyze it and send personalized recommendations to farmers via the Super Krishi App, which also features AI-powered pest and disease detection.

For farmers like Chhakka Bhandari, Chairperson of the Gairabhawani Farmers Group, the change has been profound. “Before, we relied on instinct. Now, with real-time data from the Krishi Meter, we know exactly when and how much to water and fertilize," Bhandari said. "Our apples are bigger, better colored, and sell for nearly twice the price. It’s smarter farming—with higher income and less water use.”

The results speak for themselves: water use has dropped thanks to targeted irrigation, fertilizer use is optimized, and pest outbreaks are caught early. Apple quality has improved dramatically—boosting incomes while reducing environmental impact.

Aerial view of a coastal village with a sandy beach, clustered buildings, and blue map pins. — Photo: UNDP Nepal

Cultivating a Smarter, Greener Future
Beyond introducing new technology, RERAS is investing in people. It is an approach built with farmers, and for the farmers. Through Farmers Field Schools, local farmers receive hands-on training in pruning, orchard management, irrigation, pollination, and pest control through digital alerts. In the meantime, municipal agriculture technicians are trained in data analysis, agro-advisory services and sustainable agricultural practices. This ensures that innovation and knowledge stay within the community, fostering long-term ownership and sustainability.

As Nepal faces increasing pressures from climate change, land degradation, and food insecurity, such innovation is not just valuable—it’s vital. By blending traditional wisdom with modern tools, the farmers of Jumla are not just growing better apples—they are cultivating a smarter, greener, and more resilient future.

The success in Jumla is only the beginning. The RERAS model is designed to scale—adaptable to other crops, climates, and communities across Nepal. By linking renewable energy, smart technology, and local knowledge, the project offers a powerful solution to the twin challenges of climate change and food security.