Nepal, Nov. 1 -- Quantity is no longer the problem with Mustang's apple economy, quality is. And that is what a project in the scenic village of Thini is trying to achieve.

The slopes below the icy peak of Nilgiri is bright yellow with autumn foliage, and here the Ward Chair of Thini Pradeep Thakali is working on a project to produce high-quality apples that fetch a higher price in city markets.

Thini's orchards have seen an increase in apple production in recent years. Demand from Pokhara and Kathmandu has helped farmers sell the fruit, but Thakali worries that the oversupply may outpace consumer demand and lower prices.

The project, Syaau-Grahm (apple village) would push farmers to prioritise quality over quantity and protect the ap...