Early indications show that orange production in the Eastern hilly districts for this season will increase by almost 50 percent compared to the same period last year. The Agriculture Market Management Committee in Dharan along with local farmers and traders have forecasted that 10,000 tonnes of oranges worth Rs1 billion (€7.7 mln) will be traded in the districts.
One of the major reasons behind the surge in production is the increased attraction of people towards the farming of the citrus fruit. Immediately after Tihar festival, 20-30 tonnes of oranges are being traded at the agriculture market in Dharan daily. Early indications also show that Bhojpur is likely to be the number one orange producing district in terms of volume, replacing Dhankuta.
After Bhojpur was connected with the market in Dharan with direct transportation services, the number of people involved in orange farming has increased in the district. That is why the production of oranges has increased in the district.
According to Gyan Bahadur Basnet, an orange trader in Dharan, the productivity of the citrus fruit is declining in Dhankuta because the majority of the orange trees in the district are old. “As the trees grow older, the production decreases,” said Basnet. “On the other hand, the productivity is high in Bhojpur with many new farmers venturing into the business.”
Source: kathmandupost.ekantipur.com
