High in the mountains of Jumla, apple farming has long been a way of life. For generations, apple farming there relied on experience, local knowledge and observation.
But over the past year, something new has quietly entered these orchards. Small monitoring devices now stand between apple trees. Phones buzz with farming alerts. Data dashboards track soil conditions and weather patterns from miles away. What once depended entirely on guesswork is gradually becoming a system guided by real-time information.
After 400 days of continuous operation, a precision agriculture initiative called “Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project” in Tatopani Rural Municipality is showing how digital tools can reshape farming practices in Nepal’s remote mountain regions with the support from UNDP.
Turning Orchards into Smart Farms
To support apple growers in Jumla, the project introduced a precision agriculture system tailored to the needs of apple orchards. Across the orchards, five Gham Power Krishi Meters and soil sensors were installed to monitor key parameters such as soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels.
These devices continuously collect data from the field and transmit it to a monitoring platform, where the information is analyzed and converted into practical advisories. Farmers then receive guidance through mobile alerts that help them make more informed decisions about irrigation, nutrient management, pest risks and weather conditions.
These messages are delivered through simple communication channels, making the technology accessible even in remote communities.
Early Signs of Impact
The pilot initiative currently covers about 16 hectares of apple orchards, benefiting over 65 farmers directly and indirectly. Beyond field observations, a recent survey was conducted, which provides early insights into how farmers are engaging with the system and the changes taking place.
Among the farmers reached, more than half (58.3%) were aware of the Gham Power Krishi Meter and its role in monitoring orchard conditions.
The use of SMS-based advisories shows promising but mixed results. Several farmers reported receiving and regularly checking messages related to irrigation, orchard management and pest risks. Among those who could read and understand the messages, 64% found them helpful in planning their apple farming activities more effectively. Farmers noted that these advisories helped them better manage irrigation, monitor orchard conditions and stay informed about recommended practices.
Importantly, over half of the respondents (52%) reported taking action based on the messages, such as checking irrigation needs, monitoring orchards after receiving alerts and adjusting their farming practices. Some farmers are also sharing this information within their communities, extending the benefits beyond direct users.
However, the survey also highlights key challenges. Limited literacy, irregular phone usage and reliance on family members to read messages affect the reach and effectiveness of advisories. Despite these barriers, the overall trend indicates a gradual shift, where farmers are beginning to incorporate digital information into their decision-making processes.
Voices from the field
Nanda Prasad Chaulagain, Head of Tatopani VDC, notes the value of timely information:
“SMS alerts are very effective. I regularly receive them on my mobile phone and share the information with farmers across the region.”
For farmers like Durga Bista, these alerts are becoming an essential part of orchard management:
“Yes, I receive SMS alerts about pest and disease risks and weather information. These messages help me to take action before problems become serious.”
A Step Toward Smarter Farming Systems
The first 400 days of this initiative mark more than the success of a pilot. They signal the beginning of a new approach to farming in Nepal’s mountain regions. In places like Jumla, where difficult terrain, unpredictable weather and limited technical services often challenge agricultural productivity, precision and digital agriculture are emerging as practical solutions.
By combining farmer knowledge with real-time data and digital advisories, the project is helping farmers make more informed decisions and manage their orchards more efficiently. As sensors continue to gather insights and farmers gradually integrate these advisories into their daily practices, this initiative is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, informed and future-ready agricultural system in Nepal’s highlands.
Contributed by – Manju Bashyal, Agriculture Project Co-ordinator
This project is funded under UNDP’s Renewable Energy for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (RERAS) project.