Farmers in Katol, Warud, and Morshi are set to benefit from three proposed orange packaging units by the Maharashtra State Agriculture Marketing Board. These units aim to improve processing, storage, and export opportunities for oranges. Each unit, with an estimated cost of $460,000, has received state government approval. Operations are expected to commence by December 2025, according to Katol MLA Charansingh Thakur, who confirmed that the tender process will begin soon.
The state will cover 50% of the cost, with the remaining amount funded by respective market committees, as stated by an official from Thakur's office. Each unit will be constructed on two acres of land owned by the market committee near existing markets. Infrastructure will include roads, water supply, cold storage, pre-cooling chambers, and loading/unloading platforms. Facilities will feature modern assembly lines for cutting, grading, sorting, waxing, and packaging of oranges.
"The primary purpose of these units will be grading and waxing, with oranges classified into four categories—A, B, C, and D. A-grade oranges will be suitable for export or for sale in premium markets like Mumbai and Delhi, where demand for high-quality produce is strong," said the official.
Each unit will have a processing capacity of two tons per hour. Over the six-month harvest season, a single unit is expected to process around 5,000 tons, though the exact volume may vary based on farmer participation, crop quality, and overall yield. A key advantage is their strategic location within the market area, reducing transportation costs for farmers.
Previously, oranges were packed without grading, resulting in uniform pricing. With the new system, high-quality oranges will be identified, professionally packed, and exported, ensuring better prices for farmers. "This will improve their income and enhance the export potential of Vidarbha's famous oranges," the official said. These units are expected to boost local employment and improve market linkages.
Source: The Live Nagpur