Mini-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,” said Gopal Rokaya of Hima Rural Municipality-1. “Most of us are forced to stop using them because repairs are not available locally.”

At present, only one mechanic, Takka Nepali of Tatopani-5, provides repair services across the district. Farmers in remote areas say this has made maintenance difficult, leaving many machines unused.

The mini-tillers were introduced to modernise traditional farming, boost productivity, address labour shortages and bring barren land into cultivation. However, officials and farmers alike acknowledge that lack of technical capacity remains a major challenge.

Khemraj Shahi, chief of the Apple Superzone Office, said mini-tillers are distributed every year at a 50 percent subsidy under the Agricultural Mechanisation Support Programme. The scheme targets farmers’ groups, cooperatives, farms and entrepreneurs.

He said 46 mini-tillers are planned for distribution this fiscal year, of which agreements have already been signed for 43 units. Eighteen farmers have already received their machines and begun ploughing.

The programme covers eight local units of Jumla as well as Raskot and Tilagupha municipalities in neighbouring Kalikot.

According to the office, mini-tillers have been distributed over the years as follows: 22 in 2017/18, 48 in 2018/19, 46 in 2019/20, 42 in 2020/21, 58 in 2022/23 and 60 in 2023/24.

A budget of Rs1.24 million has been allocated this year for the programme. Officials say demand for the machines has been rising as farmers seek faster and less labour-intensive methods of ploughing terraced fields.

However, Shahi said technical support remains essential for sustainable use.

“Interest among farmers has increased in recent years, but it is equally important to equip them with the skills needed to operate and maintain these machines,” he said.

According to the Agriculture Development Office in Jumla, the district has a total land area of 253,100 hectares, of which 38,486 hectares is arable. Of this, 12,051 hectares remains barren.

Only 3,650 hectares of farmland is irrigated, while the majority, 22,785 hectares, still depends on rainfall.

Farmers say declining use of oxen due to shrinking grazing land has increased dependence on mini-tillers. However, without accessible repair services, many machines remain idle despite their potential to ease farm labour constraints.