apple pics

The Marpha region is well abundant with fruit trees, mainly apples. I visited the Temperate Horticulture Development Center, aka Marpha Farm, to admire the 42 or so varieties of apple trees. The director there told me a little about the farmers and technicians, all local, who work there. It was a project begun with the help of foreign expertise but passed on to Nepali management. They are still consulting with foreign experts about going completely organic, as the farm now still uses pesticides to combat various pests. The many apples are transported around Nepal as well as exported to India. The farm also grows 7 or so different vegetables. Hence, the Marpha region has some of the best food along the trail, and certainly the most apple dessert and drink creations.