Syangja, a key district in orange production, has generated $8.35 million from its orange harvest this year. Of the 2,280 hectares dedicated to orange cultivation, 1,370 hectares have yielded fruit.
This year's production increased by 97 metric tons, reaching a total of 19,184 metric tons, compared to 19,087 metric tons last year. Of this, 2,084.2 metric tons, or 10%, were consumed locally, while the rest were distributed to other districts.
Despite the higher output, the average price of oranges dropped by $0.03 per kilogram, from $0.45 last year to $0.42 this year, leading to a revenue loss of $154,000. Syangja's oranges, celebrated for their juiciness and smooth pulp, remain in demand.
The Prime Minister's Agriculture Modernisation Orange Super Zone, which oversaw the harvest in 42 orchards, reported a 50-hectare increase in productive orchards. This year, 130 hectares of new plantations were established. Each hectare produced an average of 14.66 metric tons, a slight improvement over last year's 14.46 metric tons.
Among the district's 11 municipalities, Putalibazar Municipality leads in production, followed by Bhirkot, Waling, Galyang, and Arjun Chaupari. New cultivation areas have also emerged in Biruwa, Andhikhola, Fedikhola, and Harinas Rural Municipalities.
Pratibha Budhathoki Kshetri, Information Officer and Agricultural Officer, noted that 60% of the planted trees have yielded fruit, while 40% are still young saplings. The district expects continued growth in orange production as new plantations mature. Farmers in the region generate between $750 and $37,500 annually from their orange crops.
Source: The Rising Nepal