Jumla, June 1 -- tillers distributed under the Apple Superzone Jumla, an implementation unit of the National Agriculture Modernisation Project, are increasingly lying unused in the district due to a lack of technical knowledge and repair services.

According to the Superzone office, 319 farmers have received subsidised mini-tillers over the past seven years. While the initiative is aimed at modernising agriculture, many of the machines are now reportedly gathering dust.

Farmers say the absence of training on operation and maintenance has left them struggling to keep the machines functional.

"Subsidised mini-tillers have made farming easier, but when they break down, we face major difficulties due to a lack of tools and technical skills,...